“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
–Pablo Picasso
Why buy and own art? As my father used to say, “Art doesn’t bake bread.” But man (woman) does not live by bread alone. So, what does owning art offer us?
1. Art imbues us with a sense of beauty, and not in just a “decorative” way. Through art, we are in touch with the source of beauty and creation within all of us. Being moved by art is a deeply spiritual act, just as creating it was for the artist.
2. Art is a powerful form of expression for both the artist and the collector. It’s a powerful way to show your individuality, beliefs, feelings, philosophy, and attitudes.
3. Owning art is also a way to surround ourselves by the abilities, creativity, insights, and other qualities of the artist who made it.
4. Art affects us in not only conscious, but subconscious ways, through symbols and narrative. Artistic symbols can remind us of who we really are, as in totems or amulets. An artistic narrative takes us on a journey we might not otherwise take, outside the limits of our own imagination.
5. Art offers a sense of connectedness–from the collector to the artist, to one another, to our highest self, to the source of creation. Belief is not required.
6. Art improves our quality of life. Consider living with bare walls and shelves compared to walls and shelves full of art.
7. Art is environmentally friendly, energy efficient and easy to maintain. It does not increase global warming, use fossil fuels or need to be serviced on a regular basis,. It’s not just another expendable commodity destined for the landfill once it outlives its usefulness. Art never outlives its usefulness.
8. Art inspires us to think better thoughts. Every time we look at a piece of art, even if only for a few seconds, it is often enough to change our current outlook, to remind us of our bounty, and who we really are in that abundance. Art transforms the physical spaces they inhabit, creating a more personal, lively, and engaging environment.
9. Art encourages asking questions, examining our beliefs. Buying art that makes us feel a little uncomfortable stretches our habitual comfort levels and won’t bore us in a couple of years. It symbolizes our future expansion.
10. Art symbolizes wealth, abundance, power and confidence. It impresses and influences people, because owning art shows confidence and intelligence.
When you buy original art, you’re buying more than a mere object. You’re buying hundreds of hours of experimentation and explorations in creativity. You’re buying days, weeks, and months of hard work and moments of pure joy. You aren’t just buying a thing, you’re buying a piece of heart, part of a soul, a chunk out of of the artist’s life. Most importantly, you’re buying another human being more time to do what they are passionate about.
If you’re still wondering why art matters more than ever, check out this beautifully-written article in the Guardian by Jeanette Winterson.
Do you own original art? If so, what does it do for you?
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