3 Values to Consider When Buying Art

Art is a strange thing. There are so many opinions about what is good, what's not, why would someone buy that, and that's just ugly. But art is completely subjective. That's why it's strange. What may be ugly to you is beautiful to someone else. So I often wonder how do people pick art? Is it by process, is it connection, is it representative, is it trendy?

For me buying art is about a few different aspects. I think these aspects are important for picking any art that hangs in your home.

1. Connection
When buying art connection is the key player. I only buy art if I emotionally connect with the painting, photo, sculpture, etc. Sometimes knowing more about the artist as well helps make that connection. Maybe you relate to their story or just like them as a person. Whatever it is there has to be a connection with it.

2. Giving Back
I often base my decisions on any purchase, especially art, if they give back to the community and who they give to. The reason for this is because I know they have the same values as me. I like to donate sessions to fundraisers in my city. One because I know it helps that fundraiser's bottom line and two it makes me feel good to know that I can help even if it's only a little. If someone sees my name there and wants a session with me because of it, I'm all for it.

3. Sustainable Quality
There's a lot of cheaply made products out there now that are convenient and easy. Sure you'll save a bit of money, but in the long run those cheap products are just going to get tossed. Art is something that should last a lifetime, if not longer. Treat it as a collectible, an heirloom, so for me it's important that it's high quality, but also made with sustainable materials.

I try to buy all sustainable products so why should art be any different. You are not going to see Walmart "hand painted" signs in my house or Target canvases. It just doesn't align with my values.

The next time you buy art consider your top three values and does it conform? Art you going to end up throwing it away a year later. Make sure you'll like that art not because it's trendy, but because it's truly valuable to you.

​And an extra tip buy from an artist you love and collect their pieces. Connect with them and be their friend. They will cherish you forever for making their dreams come true!

 Examples of Art I Love and Connect With

Gustav Klimt - The Kiss

Jasper Johns - Map 1961

Roy Lichtenstein - In the Car 1963

Rachel Pohl - Tetons

What's funny about this selection is that there are no photographers! I purposefully try to steer clear of other photographers for inspiration just so it feels like I'm not copying. Sometimes are subconscious does that unintentionally, especially when you see a lot of other photographers work.

On another note I hope you'll join me for my own gallery exhibition for my Small Towns series on November 15th from 6pm -8pm at the Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom, California. If not you can always catch my work here on my website.