The Art of Conscious Collecting

By Joan Daidone & Lisa Cooper 07/02/09

Everyone can experience the “art” of collecting. You don’t have to be wealthy or have a degree in art history to experience the joy of collecting contemporary art.

However, those new to collecting often ask, “Where do I start?”

Start by training your eye! There is a wide selection of original art by talented emerging and mid-career artists from around the world that is available and accessible to anyone who has taught themselves “how to see”.

Buy Art You Love

Be a conscious collector by attending museum exhibits on a regular basis, checking out the art publications, reading popular art blogs and/or magazines, and learning about the artists that engage, challenge or inspire you, and what influences their work.

Think about how the work makes you feel when you stand it front of it. Visit it once, twice a dozen times if you want to. Don't think of a work of art as simply “decorating” a room or going with a piece of furniture. Your art purchase should outlive your taste in home decor. Trust your gut and your instincts. And try to avoid what feels too comfortable or overly familiar.

Here’s just a few tips about “Conscious Collecting”.

1. Don’t be intimidated! Visit as many galleries as you can and ask questions. If the gallery owner or staff is not accessible or open to your questions, move on.
2. Get on the mailing lists of the galleries you like so that you’ll be invited to openings, special events and lectures.
3. Keep a log or journal and jot down the names of artists that stop you, move you, inspire you, excite you. Keep in mind that buying art is a lot like “falling in love”.
4. Do your homework. Make sure to get a bio or CV and artist statement. What is their background, education? Where have they shown? What collections are they in?
5. Subscribe to a few of the major art magazines and blogs such as Art in America, Art News, Art & Auction, Art Forum, Frieze and blogs like Gallery Hopper (www.galleryhopper.org), Artopia www.artsjournal.com/artopia; Akrylic (www.akrylic.com) and Art Addict (paigewest.typepad.com/art_addict
6. Visit the International Art Fairs for an opportunity to see which galleries and genres of art most appeal to you. It’s a great opportunity to see a lot of recent work from galleries from around the world. Some of the best fairs are the Affordable Art Fair, Red Dot, Scope, Pulse which have annual shows in New York, Miami and London.
7. Join several art museums and find out when the docents or curators are giving a tour or attend a lecture by visiting curators.
8. Attend auctions of your favorite genres of art at Christies or Sotheby’s or one of the other major auction houses.
9. Attend local studio tours in your local town or city.
10. Make sure the gallery specifies if it is an original work of art or limited edition, and not a reproduction.
11. Ask to meet the artist. Artists regularly attend openings and other events and many of them enjoy sharing their inspiration with collectors and art lovers.
12. When you make a purchase, make sure to get proper documentation from the gallery, including a bill of sale, letter of authenticity and artist statement and resume.
13. Speak to your gallery about proper framing, installation and care of your artwork. And make sure to insure your artwork if you spend $1000 or more.
14. The right relationship is everything. Like the one with your dealer. A good dealer will advise you, bid for you at auctions, and let you know when good stuff or new work by your favorite artist is available. According to the AADA: ''No great collection was ever formed without a dealer.''

If you can afford to buy an iPod or Flat Screen TV or dine out once or twice a month, you can afford to buy art. If you’re new to collecting, start small with works under $1000 and evolve your collection as you train your eye and learn what genre or type of art speaks to you.

Collecting contemporary art is a creative experience, a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. When you buy art by living artists you not only enrich your own life, you actively support the work of living artists. So go explore and enjoy! It’s a journey that will change your life.