By this juncture, I just may have established that I’m clueless when it comes to crafting. What I have not said is that in other areas, well, I’m just not that clueless.
There, I’ve come clean.
While I don’t intend to debunk the validity of my clueless crafting – afterall, I relish in the freedom it has given me to fail with a smile – I don’t want to withhold what by nature captures my fancy.
Back Art Story
I’m trained academically in art history and professionally in the inside world of the art market at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York (Click here for more on this amazing program).
I’ve plodded along in the fascinating fields of art appraisal and the recovery of stolen and looted art & objects. Before this, in a large bank organizing an art lecture series for prominent collectors. And, delightfully true, when one lives in a center for art trade, how could she not have spent countless hours in galleries, museums and auction houses?
Future Art Story
Now I’m slowly transitioning to the other side: the would-be collector. If even I have auction apprehension, I can only presume that others do as well. But what makes me hopelessly attached to the auction format is the adrenaline rush of competition. In my world, that plastic paddle is a menacing weapon, asserting autonomy and art audacity. I’m declaring the right to make life beautiful and meaningful. This right, however, only comes with work – your work.
Your Art Story
* Get acquainted with art and antiques that will financially never be within reach. In the museum, works have been vetted by specialists. They know (most of the time) what is authentic. Put yourself in their eyes. You may have seen a similar painting or sideboard in your grandmother’s attic, but how does the one in the museum differ?
* Go to auction previews. They are free, open to the public, and welcome questions. Specialists will be milling about, at the ready to answer your thoughtful questions. So you want to look at the back of the painting for signs of restoration or damage? Perfect! Ask to have them take it down so you can have a good look. You can’t do this in a museum, so get in there and go for it.
* Go to galleries whose works most represent your taste. If you don’t know your taste, all the better. Explore! Begin to forge a relationship with the dealer, which will in turn allow you to profit from her expertise. Consider her a teacher willing to impart knowledge to a future client. Afterall, if you do purchase, her commission is the result of your education.
* Do your own research. Google. Read books. Check online art databases for recent auction results for your artist, genre, Regency chair. Visit other galleries, museums, auction houses, non-vetted group shows, artists’ studios, non-profits, corporate art collections, the hospital waiting room. Be autonomous. Be audacious.
I’ve been tromping around New York for years and I’m still not comfortable with the art and antiques world scene. It’s a growing process. Whether you live here or in a small town seemingly off the map, people are and have been creating exquisite works of expression. The above tips are not relegated to my geographic location. As art is everywhere, in subsequent installments I will share with you resources such as websites; books; online auctions; art & antique sale indexes; building relationships within the art world; and steps to ensure your purchase is indeed authentic.
Now, I’m curious. Share a story or anything you know or want to know about acquiring art, antiques, collectibles, and furniture at auction.
24 Responses to “Auctions and My Art Story ~ An Approach to Collecting”
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Great post, I’ve never thought of getting art as a financial investment but do plan to in the future.
Scientific Housewife´s last blog ..Science Sunday: Ancient Egyptian Makeup
It may be shocking to admit, especially since I’ve been entrenched in the art market, but I’m not going to primarily collect for investment. My aesthetic has always been on the opposite side of the market. That doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t be more convinced of my acquisition if I thought it just one day may increase in value.
Bottom line: You’ve got to love it AND be able to afford to live well after your purchase!
Good luck on your collecting strategy.
Lydia´s last blog ..Visual Relish or Le Porte-Couteau
Great post! Thanks so much for sharing!
Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita´s last blog ..ahhhh …
I know nothing about art auctions, but I believe in buying only what you love aesthetically. And I also recommend attending MFA shows at a local university to see whether any pieces there catch your eye. I still think about the “one that got away” while I was in grad school (read: financially challenged).
miss cavendish´s last blog ..All Ears
I’ve had a long-standing policy in my house – the only art on the walls comes directly from the maker. So far I don’t have a single piece that has a gallery as intermediary, which isn’t part of the criteria, but one I’m very pleased about.
Some of it is about-to-graduate BFA work. I don’t buy it because I’m pretending to be a patron; I buy it because it resonates with me.
I’m not worried about investment value. The things that surround me are an important part of my life. I’m more than happy to put some money into an artist’s pocket while I’m at it.
Stacey Cornelius´s last blog ..How to start a revolution
I to buy for what resonates rather than for investment. To truly enjoy art, it has to be valuable to you. However, some hucksters pray on the appetite of collectors who start off as patrons of beauty and idea, but become patrons of investment by empty promises that they’ll own the next “hot” artist. It’s a shame because an unknowing collector can pay far too much for a work, lining the coffers of the dealer, while at the same time turning him/her off from their acquisition. It becomes a source of embarrassment rather that joy.
Bravo for going to the source and sharing in the enriching exchange that can come from it.
What a great, great post, Lydia. I also very much like Stacey’s post above, which sort of expresses how I feel. I have a very small collection of ceramics from German contemporary artists. I buy what moves me.
My parents, who moved from NYC to Milford, PA when I was still in school, took up estate buying when my dad retired. They would go to estate sales and bid on the entire thing. Sometimes they would pick up the entire estate for a couple of hundred bucks (we are talking homes in the country here, not estates in the classic sense). Then they had a flea market every weekend where they sold their stuff. They developed some regular dealers who would come around every week. They learned quickly not to price everything — if they saw one of the dealers eyeing a piece, they would put it aside for more research (this was back in the 70’s and 80’s – pre internet). They slowly learned the ins and outs of antiques, glass and ceramic pieces.
We are putting a few pieces of the ceramics up for auction in the spring in Philadelphia.
Diana Strinati Baur´s last blog ..The Ceramic Series: Kiln Result Roundup
Your parents are quite shrewd. It is a well known fact that dealers go to estate sales knowing what is valuable even before the seller does. The very well-known Brimfield Antique and Flea Market Shows are hunting grounds for dealers, who often arrive at the market way before dawn breaks looking for the best of the best.
I cannot imagine doing what your parents did before the internet. When I was appraising, I relied heavily on Artnet.com and Artfact.com as well as Hislop’s sales indexes for art and antiques. They’re is so much that goes into valuation of an object or a work of art! I’ll get to covering that too.
Here’s the link to Brimfield ~ http://www.brimfield.com/
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I absolutely loved this entry.
What I can share, with great pleasure, is the story of an aspiring artist. I’m on the other side of the river, thus.
I’m preparing pieces in view of one day organizing an exhibition in a gallery here in Paris. I’ve told myself to start slowly looking for interesting – and interested – galleries. But don’t want to go faster than the music.
Knowing that there are wonderful artsy folks like you dear Lydia makes it ever more enthralling to create. I want to feel like I’m working towards a purpose. There are many goals, and one of them is to delight someone. To leave my print. To pour out my talent.
If only I were there, I’d beg you to go artsying with me. New York and Paris, these cities both pamper us with lots to see, tons to rumble through. Big cities can be confusing too. There is a danger of loosing your focus, discouraging by comparison.
Let’s boost each other, on the both sides of the marvelous creative river… the big beautiful ocean alike.
Susu Paris Chic´s last blog ..Risky Business
How special it is to have a blend of makers and users discuss the workings of the art market. It would be wholly unjust of me to only talk about the market from the purchasing side. Both sides are equally important to the continuation of art making and art dissemination.
We do need to work across oceans, opinions, and ideals in order to come to a thoughtful place about how to appreciate and invest in art. The artist must not be forgotten.
What is your medium and subject matter? Show some links!
Your background is fascinating! Have you read any Anita Brookner by any chance? She’s a fiction writer who earned her living as a prof of art history for a long while. (Kind of a depressing writer, in truth, but her early work was great.) I’m still floating on the surface of art collection. It’s only as I understand my developing tastes that I take it to the next step. How I wish I had money to throw at beautiful artwork and great design. But it’s out there at every pricepoint. Just need to be more crafty (pun intended).
I haven’t heard of Anita Brookner but she’s going on my list. I hold a book club every month at my home and I’ll see if her early works are worth a shot.
Aesthetics and subject matter that interest you will hopefully always be in flux. One of the rewarding things about an art collection is that it serves as a visual time capsule of your inner life.
Lydia´s last blog ..Visual Relish or Le Porte-Couteau
Since I am utterly clueless when it comes to art collecting, I was happy to read this.
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.
nichole´s last blog ..Brown
Ah ha, welcome to the clueless club. I certainly believe that there are few things you’re not all that far behind in. I am particularly impressed with your photography. The rows of empty chairs in the cathedral was a snapshot into the spiritual. I truly was taken with their solitude. You shared that with me; I felt enriched.
OH, and this was only a very preliminary start on the topic of art collecting. There will be more and a slew of sources to get you on your feet.
Lydia´s last blog ..Visual Relish or Le Porte-Couteau
Lydia, when I’m ready to start collecting, I am taking you with me! Although, you did write up a fabulous post, I still need your expert eye.
Angie Muresan´s last blog ..girls and dresses
I will take you with me without blinking an eye. You will see things I miss, Angie. I will be sharing more in-depth tips as we go forward.
Lydia´s last blog ..Visual Relish or Le Porte-Couteau
Wonderful advice! It’s great to read all the details involved in beginning an art collection. I don’t really have any stories, but I do love art. I majored with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and I had the opportunity to study art history abroad in London. One of our classes involved going to an auction at Sotheby’s, which was amazing! Although it’s a whole separate world, which I imagine would take some getting used to.
Jennifer´s last blog ..Healthy Monday: A Confession and A Question.
Jennifer, I have been to Sotheby’s in New York many times, but I would be over the moon to go to their London house. There’s a whole different culture and way of doing art business across the ocean. Perhaps, one day I’ll be able to juxtapose the two. Too bad last time I was in London I was waiting on line (get it?!) at the Tower of London to see some torture exhibit. All other times I’ve been to the UK, I was residing in tiny cottages in the country. Now I’m thinking about clotted cream, which means I should stop writing. . .
Lydia´s last blog ..Visual Relish or Le Porte-Couteau
I’m snagging you and we’re going shopping one day. Just sayin’.
P.S. Clotted cream!
Amy´s last blog ..Falling in love with, um, David
Lydia, what a fantastic post !I had several stories about buying antiques or art at aucion. For me , i is very about psychologist things. It is full of rules , knowledges .I don’t play poker but for me bidding is like a game , it is like going to las Vegas. Every time you go to auction, you think you are going to win but sometimes not
le petit cabinet de curiosites´s last blog ..Paris deco off jan.2010 : Pierre Frey
Very interesting post, Lydia. Even though Art History was my major area of undergraduate studies, I hadn’t thought much about collecting art. I look forward to what you have to share!
beki´s last blog ..making time
Lydia,
Here are some links to my works. There is one watercolor and the rest are oil pastels. Nowadays I’m doing more acrylic and oil colors. Enjoy!
http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/sujase_0876.JPG
http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/sujase_1066.JPG
http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/susuart_023.JPG
http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/susuart_004.JPG
http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/img_0003.JPG
http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/sujase_0143.JPG
http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/sujase_0147.JPG
http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/sujase_0151.JPG
http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/collage1.jpg
http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/sujase_0133.JPG
Susu Paris Chic´s last blog ..Call Me a Diva