In the past few months, in addition to expanding my art by exploring new painting mediums and techniques, I have been working very hard to try to build my network of collectors. The last year has been difficult on a lot of people, and the cancelling of art shows or exhibitions have meant that there are very few ways of getting artworks and collectors together in the same room. Some things are easily marketed and purchased online, but in my opinion, fine art is not one of them! Art is, quite understandably, not on the priority list when so many are stressed by job losses or business closures, not knowing when or if children will be in school, and of course the constant worry about the threat of illness or death of loved ones. I have always enjoyed learning new things, so in that respect it has been an incredibly interesting year. I thankfully am not worried about job loss, close family is doing alright, and I have my appointment for my first vaccine next week! I can see the day when we will be back to in-person art shows and exhibitions. In the meantime, I continue to try to learn more about marketing, especially art marketing. One of the big questions I have been trying to answer is “Why do people buy art?”. The most common reason I have found in my readings is “Because they like it”. Art is a uniquely human activity in that it serves no practical purpose, other than perhaps to cover a hole or blemish on a wall. So if it has no useful purpose, why do we surround ourselves with it? Art, and here I include fine art, music, film, poetry, literature, etc., touches our soul like nothing else can. Not everyone likes the same art, because we don’t all come to this art with the same experiences. Some art will remind us of a happy time or place, while other art will stir up emotions about social issues that must not be forgotten, and although the art itself doesn't resolve these issues, it makes us think. So why do YOU need art? Perhaps being surrounded by beautiful things makes you happy. Perhaps it reminds you of someone you love or of some place or time when you were happy. Emotions are usually what motivates most purchases, and art is no exception. This week I was lucky to see this in action. A local group of painters I belong to is having an exhibition and it was my turn to “mind the store”. A couple of young women came in and one of them was obviously taken by one of the paintings. She asked for permission to take a photo of it to show her husband. She came back about an hour later and bought the painting. She said it reminded her of a painting she had seen a few years ago and that she had always regretted not buying. She said that even though her husband didn’t really like the painting, she did not want the same thing to happen again. She knew exactly where she would hang it. It was definitely her heart that made the purchase. She walked away a very happy customer, and I am sure she will love it every time she looks at it. Remember your first apartment or home? How long did it take for you to hang or display something that meant you were “home”, that you had taken possession of the space? Even if it was only a picture calendar because that was all you could afford at the time. We want to surround ourselves with art, with beauty. Art that we love allows us to escape momentarily, to mentally travel to a different place. For some it is like meditating or even praying when they get lost in a piece of art. The art you choose says a lot about you. It is a way of communicating some of this to others who may visit your home. It can stir up emotions and be a way of starting engaging discussions about the art itself or the way different people interpret it. Except for rare exceptions, it was probably created by a human being, and it is a way of connecting with that other human. Some people enjoy the fact that, in the case of original art, they own something no one else can own. It gives their ego a boost. Some people buy art because it matches their decor. I am always saddened to see how much of this type of art winds up for sale on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace, sometimes for as little as $5 or $10. Throwaway art. Besides the very rich, who are often doing it for prestige, few people buy art as an investment, and unless you know a lot about art, are very lucky, and aren’t afraid to lose your money, you probably shouldn’t either! But good quality art is long lasting. Unlike mass produced art that might look like it was hand painted, original art from a conscientious artist will be made using archival materials and methods, and if properly cared for, will still be around long after you and even your children’s children are gone. And it will still be beautiful, and it will make your descendants happy as it did you. And who knows, it might also be very valuable! So why do you need art? I would love to read your comments!
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AuthorMy name is Claire Bureau. Archives
March 2023
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