Carolyn, you're right. That is the most important question. Oftentimes, collectors focus on where they might put a piece in their homes ... where would it fit? I want the art I buy or create to be in a spot that it greets me (or the purchaser) often ... and every day. Art is joyful to live with ... and I love this line:
"Then, after you have purchased the piece, put it in a place of honor and joy in your house where you can encounter it again and again, discovering something new every time you meet."

On another note, I just switched over to FASO and have been rebuilding my web site. You are right about the fantastic support and I'm impressed with all you have done with your husband's (the Norwegian Artist's) site. Kudos to you!

Jill Banks

Hi Carolyn,

Good post! Very few people can actually buy "collector" level art that they "know" will go up in value. For the rest of us, it's much more important that you like the work because you'll probably live with it a while... Kind of like a spouse, but hopefully a little less expensive!


thanks again,

Michael

I should have typed "worth something"... sorry.

Alan: So often we live with perceptions foisted upon us for so long, that we accept them as truth. One of these perceptions is the "art as an investment" concept. Where does this thought come from, really? And why do we continue to validate it?

Yes, when people come to realize that it's okay to buy a piece of art for no other reason that they like it, they buy the piece -- but frequently, it takes them a long, long time to get to that point, and when they get there, they have changed as a person in more ways than in how they perceive art.

Jill: Buying stuff is fun, and art is part of that stuff. I have never, in deciding to purchase a number of yarn skeins for a project, agonized over whether I would be able to sell the finished sweater, years later, for far more than I paid for the materials to make it. I choose yarn for its color, its feel, its sensation as I run it across my face, the way it shouts at me or whispers my name. Artwork is so much more uniquely poised to speak to our senses, if we will only listen.

Brian: high profile discussion is good and bad -- good, if it leads people to truly think for themselves and make inner changes that last; bad if they continue to follow the crowd's leading (interesting, because you'd think that the "high profile" people are the "leaders" -- and yet they seem so very, very concerned about fitting in with the group message). I hope that people do come to the point of buying things because they like them -- high profile, low profile, and in between -- we seriously need to start thinking for ourselves in this nation. That's how became one in the first place.

Michael: we buy pretty much everything else with our wants and visceral feelings in mind -- our cars, our houses, Friday night pizza, books -- how much happier many people will be if they purchase art because they like it. It's one of those Emperor's New Clothes things -- so obvious, and yet so obfuscated by white noise.

Marian: how can one put a price, or "worthiness," on an object that promotes a smile, instigates a feeling of peace or wonder, gives joy and hope? Your art collection is a priceless one indeed.

Susan: We, too, have heard this argument about whether or not the "collectors," whoever and whatever this unidentified cloud of people is, would want to buy the original if a print were made of it -- not a problem Thomas Kinkade had, or one Howard Terpening worries about.

But neither do we. We sell prints -- signed, high quality, and limited -- because we recognized that the average person -- who deserves and needs art in his or her life as much as the "collector" -- could not afford what Steve does unless we did. The other alternative was to knock off cheap one-hour splotchy things and crow that they were originals, but Steve's gift is one of color, form, and figure -- and these do not happen in an hour. So it's the best of both worlds -- an original that reflects the time and skill of the man who painted it, and prints of the image so that real people can enjoy real art.

By the way, I've been keeping an eye on Steve's ship paintings. :)

"Do I like it?" is the question I ask myself when I make a purchase, and it just seems that everyone should ask themselves that question, too. I know, in reality, that is not the case for everyone; but I hope the purchaser likes my work when they purchase from me.

Carolyn, I very much appreciate your comments about why you sell prints. We do too but I've never been able to express it as eloquently - thank you!

Carolyn

We seldom have anyone ask if Mikki's art will increase in value. They are attracted to Mikki's bright, happy colors. If they connect they buy. I can't recall anyone asking about the art increasing in value.

When I was actively marketing my work I did have people ask and I always answered. Some think the art will increase in value, but if I were you I'd buy the piece because I liked it, not as an investment.

Jack

This is exactly why I paint ...to make art that "makes you smile every time you walk in the room, that gives you pleasure because it touches some part of your inner being that only you know about." That is so cool.