What Art Collectors Think

I only collect what I like, knowing the artist makes it 100 times more likely that I will buy the work. I can't insulate myself from artists anymore than I can anyone else. I can't imagine myself selling any of the work I own, but I consider that my kids might. I collect because I like to own nice things, I collect antiques too...

Some questions

Do you collect solely because you "like" a particular work? --------Yes

Do you have an eye on investment potential? -------------------------Yes

Do you own any works that are "investment" works? ----------------Yes

Do you feel you need to insulate yourself from artists? --------------Yes

Do you feel you should know the artist?-----------------------------------No

Why do you collect Art?-------------------------------------------------------Quite possibly the last remnants of a civilized world where the art is the conduit to the human condition.

I do only buy art because I like it. But like is not strong enough word.

I have only one piece I would consider as investment potential. I bought it because I like it but I think Leah Saulnier is a rising star and I imagine the piece I own of hers will be worth more money in the future.

Insulate myself from other artists? No. Other artists inspire me.

Should I? I don't think its a should, more of a want. If I admire one piece I will likely admire others. And I appreciate the differences in people, and how they work...their creative process.

I collect it because I appreciate the beauty and artistry of the work.

I like to collect art from artists that owe me money...

Do you collect solely because you "like" a particular work?

No, I have to absolutely be bowled over by it. It has to speak or sing. It has to make me feel something. I like a LOT of art, I buy rarely

Do you have an eye on investment potential?

No, I should, probably, but no.

Do you own any works that are "investment" works?

Yes, I do have a piece that was investment bought. I did have two but sold one for a profit.

Do you feel you need to insulate yourself from artists?

LOL not my question I think.

Do you feel you should know the artist?

It helps but I have several pieces of work from artists I do not know.

Why do you collect Art?

Hmmmm. I do not think it is for a reason. I fell into it. I collect cards mainly but I have also bought prints when money allows. I have a few originals. I was also VERY luck to be bought a piece of sculpture by someone from Rogers vulture collection and also I have an original Tony Murray sculpture

Why do you follow the FAA discussion groups?

Coz I have to LOL not really, I was addicted to them before I started working here

"Do you feel you need to insulate yourself from artists? .........Yes" Could you enlarge on that Mo? It is certainly not the first time I have run across that point of view. Seems to be why dealers do so well.

The obvious point is to avoid bombarding sales pitches--and the not so obvious point is to keep personalities out of the equation.

Acquiring art is very much factoring in the "Whole Package" much as you have described in your questionaire

Judging art at arms length keeps objectivity

Thanx Mo. Young and "new" artists need to hear that. Art is a little different than selling baked goods at the county fair.

I collect art base on what I like, the works has to combine with creativity with high level of skill.
I paint in watercolor so most of the paintings in my collection are watercolor paintings and I do know most the artists I collect. When I was in art school one of my major was print making so I appreciate how much work put into it.. My collection is mainly, watercolor, photography, drawings, small sculpture and limited edition prints (etching, silkscreen and woodcut) Some of the artists I brought from are well known but most of them are not.
I visit art fairs, gallery exhibitions if I see an artist¡¯s works I admire I might not buy right away. I usually follow their career for a few years than I will buy. I never see them as investment only as it enriches my life. A major factor for me to buy certain artist¡¯s work is, the artist has to be personable.

From my collection and not for sale at this time

This is part of our collection, by Artist Arnold Levine

I can see why collectors and others like to keep a low profile on faa. I recieved a few e-mails in my faa box like this one.

Message:Hi,

I'm wondering if you could look at my images, & determine if they are what a collector would be interested in? I basically do still life, & inanimate object art, along with digital creations. I have sold only three small size prints, nothing else. Do you feel I have more of commercial art for office buildings?

If you're interested in any for yourself or gifts, here is a very high discount code to use.

hm......................

I will caveat this by pointing out it has been a LONG time since I had a disposable income and collected art. Perhaps the fact that I cannot afford to collect lead me to create.

Do you collect solely because you "like" a particular work?

Yes, but it also has to go with "who I am" and what I am trying to do with the space it is intended for. By the way, the art is not purchased because it matches the furniture or the room, the room is redone to work with the art, as it is the art that sets the tone for the space.

Do you have an eye on investment potential?

Yes,

Do you own any works that are "investment" works?

Yes, but I keep them because I like them.

Do you feel you need to insulate yourself from artists?

No

Do you feel you should know the artist?

No.

Why do you collect Art?

I enjoy art. Simple as that.

Why do you follow the FAA discussion groups?

Nothing to do with my collecting days.

I personally have to absolutely fall in love with piece before I buy it. Like Beth said, I like a lot of work, but only buy few. Recently I have my eye on a bunch of art on this site, but unfortunately can't afford large prints so I have been collecting greeting cards.

I don't insulate myself from artists because they are my own kind lol.

I don't really have my eyes on art as an investment, simply because if I love a piece enough to buy it I don't think I could part with it to sell it. I also do not have any children to pass them on to yet, once I do I may consider it as a factor, but my children will have there hands full with my own art already. (Which will hopefully have investment benefits of its own ;) )

I don't think I have to know the artist to appreciate their work, but it can sometimes help to understand it if there is a back story.

I collect art because art is my life. I don't feel right unless I am surrounded by art in some way, whether it is my own or somebody else's.

I follow the forums mostly for tips on selling and to see how everybody is doing and what they are up to. It is also entertaining at times. Its also one of the only places I get to interact with other artistic people as I don't know very many in the non virtual world.

Mark, no one contacted me yet, likely scare away by my high standard, LOL!

If you're spending less than 40 grand you're buying it because you like the way it looks on your wall..

Collectables have only one value.

Its unavailability, married to rarity and substance. Commodities that attract high end investment money are these of Art, real estate and to a lesser extend curio-memorabilia. With the downward pressures against the US dollar and Eurodollar due to a global economic downturn, investment brokers are looking at these commodities to offload currency bonds in order to protect their portfolios. I will soon be hosting shows in India, Russia and Paris for exactly this purpose. These exhibitions, though open to the general public, are primarily targeted for a specific trading audience almost irrespective of subject, though this offers an added attraction to the serious buyer.

Prints of my work are available through FAA or visit www.enver.net