Collecting original artwork is a rewarding pursuit that transcends mere decoration. I’ve made it my own personal goal of filling my home with only original artwork from living artists. Collecting original art offers a multitude of benefits, from personal enrichment and aesthetic pleasure to financial investment and cultural preservation. Here we’ll explore the value and importance of collecting original artwork, emphasizing the unique aspects that make it a meaningful endeavor.
- Personal Enrichment and Emotional Connection
Collecting original artwork allows us to express our personal tastes while connecting with pieces that resonate with our emotions and experiences. Unlike prints, original works often carry the artist’s unique touch, small details, texture, and imperfections that make the original more intimate, rich, and special. This personal connection to the artist and the artwork is a story you get to tell and a lifelong relationship to the artist you can enjoy. Connecting with a work of art because it tells a piece of your story, it makes you smile, or it tells a story you value are enriching reasons to collect original art.
- Aesthetic Value and Unique Design
Original artwork enhances the aesthetic appeal of any space. It adds a unique character and sophistication that mass-produced pieces cannot replicate. The originality of the artwork ensures that the collector possesses a one-of-a-kind piece, making it a focal point in their home or office. The textures, colors, and details of an original piece often surpass those found in reproductions, offering a richer visual experience, and an anchor for conversations.
- Cultural and Historical Significance
Original artworks are valuable cultural artifacts that reflect the time, place, and context in which they were created. They serve as historical records, capturing the essence of an era and providing insight into the artist’s life, society, and philosophy. By collecting original works, we contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and support the ongoing legacy of artistic expression in our communities as well as around the world. I’ve collected artworks from artists in my local community to London, to Hong Kong. Collecting works from artists around the world is a little piece of that part of the world I get to keep in my home.
- Investment Potential
While the primary motivation for collecting art should be personal enjoyment, it’s worth noting that original artwork can also be a sound financial investment. Over time, the value of original pieces can appreciate, especially if the artist gains recognition or if they have put in the effort of increasing the value of their works over time. I know this is my goal when creating art. I view my job as an artist also as a portfolio manager when I’m increasing the value of all my artworks over time by the galleries I work with the collections I’m a part of, the price point of my works etc. I want my paintings to be worth much more in 50 years than when the collector originally purchased it.
- Supporting Artists and the Art Community
Purchasing original artwork directly supports artists and the broader art community. It provides artists with the financial resources to continue their creative endeavors and pursue new projects. It allows artists to pay their bills and reinvest in their communities by engaging in public arts projects, open studios, and local installations. Collectors play a crucial role in sustaining the arts by recognizing and valuing the talent and hard work of artists. This support fosters a vibrant and dynamic art scene allowing artists to continue their craft and community investment.
- Personal Legacy and Storytelling
Collecting original artwork can also be a way to build a personal legacy. Over time, a collection can become a curated narrative of the collector’s journey, values, tastes, and experiences. It can be passed down through generations, serving as a family heirloom that tells a unique family story. Each piece in a collection lends a clue to the collector’s life, shedding light on their values, their goals, their travels, their stories – this makes the art collection a rich tapestry of memories and meaning for generations to come. I personally have several works of art that my grandmother collected over 70 years ago. I have artworks that my mother collected. I’ve added to the tapestry of my family’s art collection by collecting art myself from other living artists. It’s a joy and a pleasure to share stories of my mom or grandma when a visitor comments on one of the paintings they collected which are now in my collection.
The value and importance of collecting original artwork extend beyond aesthetic appeal. It offers personal enrichment, cultural significance, investment potential, and a way to support artists and the art community. Whether you’re an experienced collector or new to the art world, investing in original pieces can be a deeply rewarding experience that adds beauty and meaning to your life. It’s an investment in culture, creativity, and the enduring power of art to inspire and transform.