Art: Do I Have a Type?
As I help clients bring art into their spaces, the first question is always “What art should I buy?”
My answer is always purchase what you love.
You're forming a relationship and possibly moving in together. Love it. It should inspire you and bring a bit of #everdaybeautiful to your space.
Of course, finding your personal art style can take time. It's a bit like searching for a soulmate. Sometimes you see something and you're just not into it. Other times there is an undeniable connection that unites you with certain pieces of art. It's uniquely personal.
Falling in Love
What if you aren’t even sure what art you like; how do you fall in art love?
Exposure.
Exposure.
Exposure.
See as much art as possible, form an opinion, and begin to establish your art “type.”
Start by actively observing the art around you. It’s everywhere; restaurants, offices, hotels, etc. However, unless you are tuned into noticing, you may have passed right by.
As with dating, sometimes it’s a bolt of lightning and you know it’s the one, and other times it’s by seeing a million pieces of art, the equivalent of going on a bunch of bad dates to find out what you don’t want. Sometimes it can be one that just seems to stick with you and you’re not sure why.
Yes, Looks Matter
Remember all those times you were told “don’t judge a book by its cover?”
This isn’t one of those times. You need to be judgmental. Judgey, judgey.
You may see a piece of art and fall madly in lust—you have to possess it. Or you may go to gallery after gallery, weekend art fairs and open studios and see thousands of different works, and feel a sense of “meh.”
Art should make you feel something. Developing a sense of your art style can take time, and it’s an emotional investment (sound familiar?). While you are noticing art, make a mental list of what you like and what you don’t like.
Do you like photography or sculpture? Realistic or something that is more abstract. Maybe you think graffiti is the freest form or artwork, or maybe you just see vandalism. Do you appreciate the drama of the large scale format or do you like something smaller and intimate? Bold colors or subdued neutrals? These are questions that you can answer as you see and judge the art around you.
Discovering Your Type
As you see more pieces, you will begin to make mental connections and start to find common themes. You may be thinking, it’s all fine and good to “notice” art, but where specifically should I begin?
Want to see many different styles and mediums in one place, take an hour and visit a local museum, gallery or art fair. A quick internet search will help you find where the closest locations are in your city.
If you happen to live or visit San Francisco we have several art fairs throughout the year. Here are a few that I enjoy.
Let’s say for whatever reason, you aren’t comfortable heading to a gallery or museum just yet. Or maybe you want to look at art in your pajamas while drinking coffee in bed (something I highly recommend).
Then head to the internet for some online browsing. Here are a few suggestions for places to start.
Auction houses often have online catalogs of current and past artwork. These are the big ones, and they have big price tags, but you aren’t looking to enter into a committed relationship just yet. You’re still “dating around” and forming a checklist of your wants and desires.
If the big four aren’t your style, then try these online galleries which have a broad selection of artists and art to peruse.
Time to Commit: Now What?
Now that you’ve noticed the art around you, looked at different styles, either in person or virtually, made an informed opinion and are ready to move in together…where do you buy art?
More specifically, where do you find unique pieces of art? Can you purchase real art on a budget? What if you want some alternatives that will bring you joy without depleting your bank account? Is framing necessary and how do you do it? And once you have entered into a committed relationship with a piece of art, how do you display it?
Stay tuned and we’ll do a speed round of artists to follow and follow up with a few tips on hanging art in your home.
Until then, continue to…Eat more art!
P.S. If you are new here and missed last week’s art lingo starter menu, it might be helpful as you are out noticing various works.