The Art Collection

I bet you know someone who owns an art collection. You probably think they have expensive tastes. One thing for sure – they have artistic tastes.  These days, art collections could include photographs, prints and other forms of art that don’t necessarily cost a lot.
What “Art Collection” suggests to me, though, is that each piece has been hand chosen, whether it’s an eclectic grouping, a few favourite artists or pieces acquired in travel. The thing that makes a collection valuable, financially, is the proof of providence and the name of the esteemed artist. However, aside from any commercial considerations, an art collection of any kind, selected piece by piece with care, can become a lasting treasure. It is something we were taught, way back, as children with our favourite toys.
I know that, as an artist, when I am invited to a home – or office for that matter – and I recognize an art collection of any kind, I am immediately struck with the care and choice of the work. An inquiry or two about any of the pieces, elicits a warm response right away, indicating that the owner takes much pride in showing them to me and explaining how each piece came to be acquired. It makes me feel very special to be included in my host’s hospitality: an experience seldom forgotten. And I know I am not alone in this regard.
So, how might one go about starting a collection? Sometimes it just begins with a picture that was passed on down through family or the result of a hand extended on impulse at an auction. We soon learn to enjoy a chosen painting or sculpture as it becomes part of our daily life; catching our attention in shifting daylight or in the evening room lighting. Over time we begin to consider things like spatial relationships and lighting choices to improve the overall effect as items get added.
By visiting art galleries and auctions and getting to know artists and their work, we join many others, happily involved in discovering other pieces that inspire them; each in a very personal way.
Happy hunting.
Charlie Spratt
July 2019

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