St. Lucie Cultural Alliance | Why Buy Art
By Lisa Jill Allison of Lisa Jill Allison Gallery
Why Buy Art
For years I have had the pleasure of gifting and receiving art. For the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of providing art through my gallery. It has been my joy to have my art hung in homes far and wide by such a broad range of people: young and not so young, light skin to deepest browns, wealthy as well as struggling new students, and with careers that span the horizon.
We are inundated with ways to spend our money and some are drawn like a magnet to invest their resources in art. What has motivated them to purchase original art? I find the reasons most intriguing, and they surely touch my heart. For this article, I interviewed several past clients. I found unique reasons as well as similar threads in their responses. Perhaps some of the reasons resonate with you or perhaps a new note may be struck in your heart that awakens the joy that collecting original art can bring.
A client, and now friend, who has collected over the years to furnish a Florida home, a Chicago home and a business shared what owning art means. A broad smile crossed the client’s face as he expounded on the delight in the feeling of adorning walls with “snippets of his personality.” He loved the idea of sharing thoughts, feelings and his overall view of life through art with people who visited his homes or business. The client searched far and wide to collect pieces that radiated his essence. He described the fun of the hunt, recounting off the beaten path places he discovered in the quest.
Another interview that really stands out is that of a domestic abuse victim. She chose female form art that reminded her of her newfound strength and power. She described how each morning she awoke to see art reminding her of what she had conquered and who she now was. On challenging days, it empowered her to face the difficulties and at the end of a satisfying day, it transported her in her mind’s eye to a world of love and peace.
A couple who had just bought their first home shared their thoughts on how stabilizing it felt to create “a perfect little world” inside the walls of their home. They chose sunny florals, dreamy landscapes and whimsical animal friends. These two, soon to be three, were gleefully awaiting the birth of their child and were excited to bring this little human into a home that they filled with love and art that reflected this love.
Lastly, I would like to share the thoughts of a woman who purchased a painting from the gallery and then had a piece commissioned. She is a police officer who is feels stressed. She collects art for the story, the story of the artist. She delves into the artist’s take on life, shared experiences and even view of the future; of where we can go as a human family. She chooses to surround herself with stories through paintings that uplift, bring cheer and champion humankind’s innate desire to evolve in a positive fashion.
What might motivate you to seek out art and then purchase it? Does the world seem a little rough around the edges? Art can soothe your mind and soul. Does your couch feel lonely and need a nice piece of art to keep it company while you are away? By all means, get some artwork. I will firmly state it is okay to choose art because it goes with your couch. A well-arranged, cohesive home does wonders for the soul in a chaotic world. If you have a lovely memory of a time or place, a particular piece of art can draw this memory to the surface on a daily basis. Unresolved issues from the past can be soothed by just the right art. Childlike wonder can be rekindled, faith in humanity reborn, and a sense of awe at the magic of being human can be ignited by art in your world.
There are no rules, there is no right and wrong, no formal training required. Art is art. YOU get to decide what you love and why you love it. Be bold, be brave, be fearless! You are wise enough to know what speaks to you and what enriches your environment. I invite you to seek out art in your town and in any place you visit. If possible, get to know the artists. Be privy to their feelings and views. It can be compared to sampling exotic foods, still unfamiliar to the palate. You never know what new taste sensation will excite you, rekindling a feeling or birthing a new note in you.