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Joy Reed Belt
Art can be almost anything. Webster defines it as: the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects. Since it would be impossible to get agreement on what constitutes an aesthetic object, I much prefer the broader definition of art given by Thomas Hoving, the former Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He says, “Art is when anyone in the world takes any sort of material and fashions a deliberate statement with it.” That puts art where it rightfully belongs…in the eyes of the creator and the beholder.
Most of us start buying our particular brand of art as a form of self expression. Even as children, we show strong preferences for shape, color, and objects. As we mature, our tastes become more definite, more refined. When asked what kind of art they like, many people will respond, “I don’t know what kind of art I like but I know what I don’t like.” The person who makes that statement is acknowledging that art is a visual language. A specific artwork speaks to them. If they don’t like the message, they don’t like the art. Since the early cave drawings, art has been used to communicate. Most of what we know and understand about ancient cultures and civilizations we know because of the remaining art. It is a powerful visual language that we use to understand the world around us, to explore new ideas, and ultimately to define our very humanity.
All good art will affect the viewer in some way. Many collectors say they know within the first ten seconds whether or not the image evokes enough passion to be interesting to them. Experts agree one should buy art with his eyes and his heart. Others admonish “buy only what you love.” Notice the use of the words “passion” and “love” when talking about art? That’s because randomly buying art for decorative purposes is similar to dating. Studying, pursuing and ultimately collecting art is to experience an enduring love affair.
The transition from dating to having a love affair with art and/or that special person requires a leap of faith. It is important to feel comfortable with your instincts and what draws you to a specific work. Think of art as giving emotional and intellectual value. It is something that enriches your life. Picasso said “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Wilson Hurley, whose work is featured at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, says “Art allows us to live many lives.” Whether you believe art is a window to the soul or to the world, it is the artists’ ability to translate their unique vision that distinguishes art from mere technical proficiency. The monetary value of art is more complicated as there are many factors which influence the financial value of a work of art. Educating yourself and developing an eye will make it easier to determine which pieces of art to buy. While I rarely hear someone lament buying a particular painting or sculpture people often talk about regretting not buying a work of art.
Spending time in museums and galleries is a great way to learn and develop your eye. Forming relationships with dealers, keeping up with your chosen genre, checking on what “your” artists are creating are hallmarks of a collector. Visit bookstores and use the internet to research specific artists, mediums, movements, and styles of art. Essentially it doesn’t matter what type of art you begin collecting. You can even begin by making modest purchases. You can collect posters, old masters, drawings, prints, antiquities, primitive and folk art, contemporary art, fiber art, ceramics, photographs, paintings, or sculpture. Just as art can be almost anything, you can collect almost anything. Most collectors specialize in order to gain solid expertise in a few categories.
There are many fine galleries and artists advertised in this publication. Visiting those galleries and learning about the artists they represent would be a wonderful way for you to begin your love affair with art.
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