Becoming a Collector

My blog posts are often directed to artists about overcoming challenges and finding inspiration. Creating is only one side of the equation; collectors make up the other side. When you become a collector, you are not only buying a creation made by someone, but you are also becoming a part of that artists life. You are beginning a relationship with the artist whether you meet them in person or not.

You as the collector become a character within the story of the painting. When you collect art, you not only acquire a work but a different perspective seen through the eyes of the artist. A painting or photograph may be of a place you have been to and when you look at it you put yourself into the place and time you spent there and let your memories unfold. For some people collecting art is about surrounding themselves with feelings. Art can uplift you, but there is also the relationship between the collector and the artist.

When you purchase art directly from the creator, it allows them to remain connected to their work even after it has left their hands. Your purchases help the artist continue to do what they love and to make a living. By supporting these creative individuals, you’re not only enhancing your collection but also helping them make their dreams come true. In addition, when you purchase art from the artist, there’s often more information about the piece available such as its backstory or inspiration. This can give each piece in your collection even more significance and help tell a story within your larger collection. 

After people have purchased my work, I thank them for adding it to their collection. I often get an incredulous response that they are not “collectors”. We have this idea of fancy mansions filled with priceless art and extravagantly dressed people from the headlines of the social pages are the only “collectors”. They may be the richest collectors but a vast greater number of regular folks are art collectors. Your collection may be modest but if you are buying original art from the local studio tours or art shows, you are an art collector. Thank you.

I made my living for decades selling at outdoor art shows and I have met the most incredible people over the years, many are still friends and collectors. Now my work is sold in galleries and I miss the direct connection I got from meeting the collectors, but the people who purchase my art play a starring role. Without you I wouldn’t be able to do what I love, which is reinterpreting the world around me with fresh eyes.

I recall one of my youngest collectors from an art fair. She was about 12 and visiting Santa Fe with her family. She had saved her babysitting money and was excited to make her first art purchase. She visited several booths and talked with the artists and looked at the work. She ended up with me and we discussed the different possibilities of how she could choose. She fell in love with a print for $50 after I shared the story of making it. She purchased it and I think I was even more excited than her. I am sure she has gone on to collect more original artworks. It is a love, a passion that one can share in the creation of something from nothing.

Collecting art may inspire you to awaken your own creative soul. I have had collectors of my art turn into students in workshops and fine artists too. They have an eye for what they like and this can be the key to opening up to their own creativity. I too am a collector. I love finding other artists’ work that speaks to me and I mostly collect directly from artists or when I meet them in galleries. Knowing the artist and sharing the story of how I acquired the piece and where becomes part of what I see when I look at it. I know we are connected on a level that goes beyond any monetary investment.

We collectors on this level do not buy million dollar art to be locked away in a vault for investment purposes, we collect art to enhance the quality of our lives. Each time you purchase from an artist you are affirming their decision to put their art, heart and soul out into the public arena. It takes courage to do that, and you can reward that vision and bravery by collecting. Buying artwork directly from artists adds depth and meaning to your collection while also supporting artists.

If you are reading this post you already know where to find me and my website. There are so many artists out there and many ways to collect. Find an outdoor art show if you are not fond of galleries or visit a local coop gallery. I love to seek out galleries in cities I am visiting and I have found and collected many pieces this way as well. Make your art collecting journey fun and you will probably make a new friend as well as finding wonderful treasures.

Happy collecting.

Sandra