Referral Friday is an ongoing series inspired by John Jantsch’s Make-a-Referral Week. For more about that, and loads more referrals for everything from cobblers to coaches to gee-tar teachers, start here. Pass it on, baby!
I think if you are a writer, especially one who wants to sell books, you should consume as many books as possible.
I think if you are a seller of products or services, you should buy other people’s products and services.
And I think if you are a living, breathing human being, you should buy art. Go look at it, too, in museums and galleries and such. Make some, while you’re at it.
But buying art is some of the most joyous of energy-exchanging you can experience. To look at something whose sole purpose is to wake you up or to tell you the truth or to make your heart sing and say, “Yes! Yes! I support this! Yes!”, that, my friends, is better than diamonds, or sunshine, or the finest small-batch bourbon swirling around in your glass before it heads down your gullet.
Especially diamonds.
I get that some people are a little freaked out by the art-buying process. I remember getting dizzy, the first time I spent real money on a painting, $1,000, in 1986.
The dizziness passes, and you’re left with the most wonderful feeling in the world, easily accessible ever after with a mere tilt of the eyes upward, or even a pause of remembering while you and your baby are separated.
Jen Bekman, curatrix of the 20×200 project, makes it easy-peasy to buy art. Artists offer their works at various price points, small, medium and large, and there are dozens of galleries to choose from. We know I’m a fan of Mr. Monteiro’s, so I started with the print shown above. You should start anywhere you like.
But start. Please start…
xxx
c
Colleen, may I second your recommendation with a huge “amen”! Leaning on my desk right now are three pieces of art from incredible artists. When things seem too challenging, this work completely inspires me.
A couple of years ago, I created a small gallery where I could introduce people to amazing artists in a no-stress environment. I gotta tell you, watching people tumble into love with a piece of art is a life-altering experience. When an open heart meets a wonderful artistic gift, it is beyond amazing and then to see how that work changes a person’s home … wow!
I’ve been short cash, worried about my work, agonized about love but I have never regretted buying a piece of art that moves me. If it makes you cry … buy it!!
I couldn’t agree more! Buying art is satisfying and provides a well needed flow of exchange in society. Without art life would be so dull.
I will second and third the above comments!
Thanks for introducing me to a great site.
As a sometime seller of art , I would also say that the euphoria of having a total stranger pay money for something I created is just as much of a thrill. It’s validation after all of the bad self-talk and self criticism that goes along with creating anything.
I admire the guts of anyone to get their work out there, even if it might not be of exceptional quality, when I see not so great work for sale, I am encouraged by the fearlessness and sincerity and it reminds me to get over myself and just put my stuff out there where it is vulnerable.
As another referral, I would like to add that local art schools are fantastic venues to find original art. My husband teaches at one, and they regularly have student shows and sales. Some student art can get a bit “dark” (having been to art school I feel I can say this), I think it’s part of the age and the journey, but the talent is incredible.
It gives the students a taste of their value, and also buys them some extra packs of ramen noodles and cheap wine!
Our favorite pieces around the house are from students or just bartering with artist friends.
Also, I love the “we are going to make it through this year” print. Where is that from?
Hah, oops, read a little closer and now know where the print is from.
gah.
Yaaaaaay!
I knew there were fellow freaks following along! But it’s so nice to hear of people buying art even when things get gnarly. ESPECIALLY when things get gnarly.
Yaaaaaaay!
thanks so much for being a patron of the arts and encouraging people to buy art – it REALLY can be affordable if you look and the recommendation of 20×200 is fantastic! i’ve heard about it but never really checked it out until today – it looks like a great place to find and buy amazing, yet affordable art.
as LIJ says, art colleges ARE a great place to buy student work that is just as great as the ‘professional’ stuff. i’ve been to Oregon College of Art and Craft and the work is as beautiful and organic as the surroundings; i’ve also heard of Savannah Colege of Art and Design and they have great stuff on their websites though OCAC does have a “Make Art” section on their site where you can create something and send it to friends!
and don’t forget etsy – home of handmade art & craft =-)
thanks for the great referral to 20×200!!
Loved this post!!! You have put into words everything I feel about making and selling art! I truly think I would stop breathing if I didn’t live with, look at, create some, buy, sell or trade art. And, like the print, words are often times the most creative of art – but, I still love all my fused glass, silver jewelry, hand knitted socks, porcelian tea pots, cotton aprons, patchwork quilts, abstract watercolors, junk yard metal sculptures – all created by artists who dreamed, “did” and “let go” so that I could be surrounded by their energy! Thank you!!!
p.s. – do you know where I could get a copy of the monkey print next to the featured print?
Monica – I love Etsy! I totally need to do a Referral Friday on them, too, but it’s such a big place, I need a focal point to start.
There is so much great, affordable art. Just as (and I cannot BELIEVE I am saying this) there is so much great, enjoyable poetry. We’ve done generations of our own citizens a disservice by cutting back on arts education in schools. If it’s not a priority, it becomes a fringe pursuit.
And thanks for seconding the reco on colleges. I’d honestly never thought of that, and it’s GENIUS.
Carol – I know, I know. I’m so grateful for my grandparents and my mother instilling this love of art in me. Although it took me long enough to get with the buying program. Shameful. Oh, well.
The monkey print is an original Victor Ing piece from the 1950s or 1960s. It was my Gramps’—he was a huge patron of Ing’s, buying dozens of pieces for my grandparents’ apartments and for friends. I inherited it, along with a few other pieces. The best thing is that they gave it to me, like they did my Gram’s jewelry, while they were alive. So much more fun to see people light up with the exchange.
If I ever decide to release it, it’s yours.
God bless you for supporting the arts and encouraging others to purchase some inspiration, as well. As a practicing artist, I’ve found the hardest part to be putting a price on it. How do you put a price on inspiration? Thanks for making it seem natural to be aware of beautiful things.
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