Do you care about beauty? About conveying to your family or to visitors your values in an unspoken way through the art on your walls? Have you ever been so moved by a painting, sculpture, book, play or movie, that you really felt the artist or author spoke to your soul? Many people may not consider themselves art collectors, but to me, owning just one piece of art makes you an art collector. Let's explore why everyone should embrace their inner art collector.
Art Appreciation
Owning a piece of art allows individuals to appreciate the creativity, skill, and emotion that went into its creation. Whether it's a painting, sculpture, or photograph, each piece tells a unique story and adds beauty to any space.
Investing in Culture
By becoming an art collector, individuals are investing in culture and supporting artists in their creative endeavors. Art has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and evoke emotions, making it a valuable addition to any collection. It's worth thinking about the culture you want to encourage in your home. Maybe you want to evoke a sense of peace as soon as someone walks into the door (this is my desire!). Maybe you want color and vibrancy as soon as someone steps in. Maybe you want a reminder to "pray always" as you or others move about the house (me again!) and so you gather spiritual words and spiritual friends around you, encouraging your thoughts heavenward from the walls.
Personal Connection
When you purchase a piece of art, you are not just buying an object; you are stepping into a vision the artist had, connecting with it, and making it your own. Ideally there should be a deep soul connection to every piece in your home. This personal connection can bring joy, inspiration, and a sense of fulfillment for you as the collector. Sometimes you just love a piece of art and you don't know why. It just makes you happy. That's ok too! That's the spark, the personal connection, the joy!
Building a Collection
Starting with one piece of art can be the beginning of a lifelong journey of collecting. Each new addition to a collection can hold sentimental value, mark a significant moment in life, or simply bring aesthetic pleasure to the collector. When I go around my home, I see a piece I bought in Japan featuring cherry blossoms in the silver moonlight. I loved it when I bought it in my twenties and I love it now. It reminds me of a country I loved visiting, but also provides a personal connection to home and our cherry blossoms in Washington DC. I see two early Washington DC maps I stumbled upon at Eastern Market that came from the old printed books of the plan of the city. One map has the location of the first house my husband and I bought. The other has the location of the house we live in now. I could go on and on and tell you more about our personal collection, but I simply write to encourage you to think about your personal collection, to consider yourself an art collector, and to encourage you to fill your home with intentionality, authenticity and meaning.
So, whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or someone looking to dip their toes into the world of art collecting, remember that owning just one piece of art makes you an art collector. Embrace your inner collector, build a collection that sparks joy and surround yourself with beauty and meaning.