I’m delighted to be providing a column that is devoted to the subject of art, which includes background on artists of international and regional fame, and general information and news from the art world. It’s my goal to be able to provide you with industry insight about what is an ever-evolving forum of new ideas, expressions, interpretations, and with equally diverse realms of stature and acknowledgement within the art world or the general public.
Within your home, a collection of art can clearly express your unique taste better than any one object can. As a result, I aim to illustrate a more tangible relationship to the arts, to foster a greater understanding of the importance of bringing art into your life. For many, fine art is considered a luxury. And although many a person, including this writer, would argue that art is an extremely therapeutic “luxury” and a major complement to the concept of wellness, many view it from afar. Often they are interested in knowing more, but claim ignorance or intimidation. Yet, for the collector of fine items, an intimate relationship to that item usually occurs. Indeed, an art purchase can be motivated by any one of the human emotions, which in turn can result in a spontaneous acquisition. Inherent in these transactions is a greater risk of the client being emotionally charged and not fully informed about the art, the artist, the relevance of both to each other, and, of course, the represented value.
Very often, I encounter collectors who are quite proud of their most recently acquired piece, and yet are unable to tell me anything more than the title, descrpitoin, artist’s name, and price paid. I liken this to owning a Ferrari, yet only driving it at 25mph around town, in first and second gear. As with each gear in a Ferrari, behind every art piece, there is more than a title and a price. There is the history of the artist, his or her background and basic inspirations behind the art. Specific to each piece is the technique employed, the medium used, when it was created and the relevance of such within a series, and the price in reference to the artist’s history and any contemporaries. Too often, however, the art purveyor neglects to make it a priority to inform the clients, thereby shortchanging the client the full possible enjoyment of their new piece. I encourage you to ask questions and command as much information as possible. It will serve you well not only at the time of purchase but in the many future years you share with the piece of art.
Please fell free to submit general questions and comments to my email address below, and I will respond in future issues.
The Christopher Hill Gallery is a renowned collection of fine art, known by collectors and artists for its unmatched representation of originals and editions by accomplished and emerging artists from Europe and North America. Christopher Hill can be reached at 707-963-0272 or 707-337-8127 or by email at info@chgallery.com www.chgallery.com
