Artists as Art Collectors

When you think of art collectors, do you typically think of hedge fund managers, technology gurus, or maybe just your every-day self-made millionaires?

Well, think again! One of the completely “hidden” markets of art collectors is the artists themselves, collecting art from their artist contemporaries!

The artist’s homes and studios I’ve been privileged enough to visit have proven to me, time-and-again, that artists love collecting the works of other artists.

Contrary to what I believe is the “standard thinking,” artists like being around and hanging out with other artists. To go even one step further, artists even like to collect the works of other artists, and are some of their most ardent supporters! Who would know, appreciate and understand art more than an artist?

It seems like a novel aspect, but who better to seek out brilliant works of art, than artists getting to know other artists and their work. Who better to appreciate the nuances of the paintings, sculptures, etc. than an artist who knows, I mean really knows, the artist that created it!

I have my own gallery. My collection includes art from my contemporaries. I could give you a LONG list of other contemporary artists I would love to collect. I would need to add more wall space to actually display the number of pieces I would like to own.

I attribute my desire to be an art collector to my mom, who was a collector herself. She was an administrator for a public school system for over thirty years, but knew many artists within the school district who taught art and were practicing artists. My mom collected art from many of her artist contemporaries and fortunately, as a kid, I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with these talented personalities. My mom had real talent herself as an artist and even won an award for a batik.
(“Batik” is a technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to cloth).

When I showed signs very early on of having artistic talents, my mom encouraged me to take art classes, which I did! I still can’t believe, as I look back, seeing myself as a young teen, in art classes held at the museum, etc. mostly populated with art students in their fifties and over and marvel at how I had the ability to stay focused and engaged on the subject matter!

When my mom passed away, I inherited her art collection. My sister was generous enough to ship every piece to me. When they arrived, I was completely taken aback at my response to the paintings. Tears starting flowing as I unwrapped painting after painting. These were like long lost friends! The memories came flooding back to me. I started remembering things that had happened, the artists, my mom, - well everything! These paintings were a HUGE part of my past! They were a part of my present and now, part of my future.

I can’t tell you how meaningful and emotional that experience was. Art is emotional. Art can change your world – your life - no matter if you are a hedge fund manager or an artist, start collecting art –now!