SHI Paints

Why buy original art?

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I have been ruminating on a conversation I had with a friend (+ recent collector) for a while now + thought it worth sharing.

We were hanging out on fourth of July +, naturally, ended up in the studio. There was one piece that he absolutely loved + eventually he asked how much it would be to purchase.

When I told him the price, he almost choked. "What?! Seriously?" he half-giggled (because of the near-choking incident, of course).

"Yes. Absolutely. I spent hours not just painting this piece, but also buying supplies, using those supplies + creating something one-of-a-kind." I explained.

Then a couple of friends chimed in: "Art is an investment. Maybe you think that is a lot now, but when SHI's career takes off, that piece could be worth even more as the demand grows for her work."

Heart eyes. I know, I have amazing friends.

To be perfectly honest, I think art collecting can be intimidating + there have certainly been some headline auction house sales of art that seem just a little crazy (just look at the $1.4M self-shredding Banksy painting).

So, I'm going to explore a few reasons why you should collect art.

  • Because you like it!
    There. I said it. Instead of making a big production about why you should buy a piece of art + toiling over whether it's a smart purchase, or if you "get it", or if it makes you a snob, remind yourself that your intuition is trustworthy + go with your gut. You can have things because they like them + that includes buying that gorgeous piece of art that calls to a part of you that doesn't often get your attention.
  • Because it's an investment.
    When you find something you want to look at everyday (whether that's a poster or an original artwork or a significant other for that matter), that's an investment in yourself + your own happiness. I have a t-shirt framed on my wall because it's sentimental, it makes me giggle + looked nicer in a frame. I also have a sculpture, a beautiful original watercolor done by a sweet friend + family photos (just so you know I don't only have t-shirts hung up). All of these things make me happy + many of them were an investment financially but have paid me back far beyond any dollar amount.
  • Because it's an investment (pt. 2).
    On another note, just like my super smart friends said, buying an original piece of art now could end up having a big return should the artist blow up career-wise. Imagine buying a small square painting for $150 + in 5-10 years having that painting be worth $1,500+. I'm not saying that's always the case, but there is always a possibility for a healthy return on investment.
  • Because of the story or emotional connection.
    You've experienced love at first sight, right? Maybe it was with a shirt or a piece of furniture or maybe it was like all those rom-com's + happened to be with a person. Well trust + believe that happens with art. I know so many people that LOVE art, but get a bit in their heads + convince themselves they don't "get it". That deep emotional connection doesn't require any explanation. That love at first sight experience could also be related to the story behind the piece. Almost all of my pieces (+ lots of other artist's work) have a bigger story behind them that inspired their creation or evolved in the process.
  • Because buying original art supports artists (+ validates our work).
    Let me be clear: being an artist is a career path as valid as working any other job. So, when you pay for original art, you allow a small business owner/entrepreneur to keep thriving. I promise you, you'll be getting something one-of-a-kind + you'll get the warm fuzzies knowing that you just made the artists day/week/month because something they spent hours + expensive materials making ends up going to a good home in you.

Moral of the story: buy original artwork!

If you have any questions about buying an original piece, let me know by filling out the form below!

P.S. stay tuned for those exclusive surprises by joining my badass community of subscribers using the contact form down below on the page.

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