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.