Dare to Show Your Personality
Whether you are collecting art that you love or collecting art as an investment — a home without art can seem empty and lifeless. Here are a few tips from local art lovers — artist Derek Gores, collector Kim Deffebach and Andrew Roman, the creative director of Bros. Roman.
“I always tell people you should buy what you love,” Derek Gores, artist and owner of the Derek Gores Gallery, said. “Some people get into art for an investment but you should still love it.”
All art lovers agree, price doesn’t matter. For those starting out, it can be daunting to consider what will or will not be valuable in the future, so don’t worry about that aspect. Artwork doesn’t need to be expensive to be good. You never need to spend a large amount of money to start building an interesting collection.
Think Local. For beginning art collectors, visit local museums and galleries to see what you gravitate towards. Study each piece and style and if possible, talk with the artists to understand why you may or may not like something. Eventually you will find what naturally speaks to you.
“We have artists who are as good as anywhere,” Derek said. “You just have to find someone who you respond to locally.”
Seeing a piece of art in a museum or a show is an emotional experience and having original art that you love in your home is an opportunity to have that emotional experience every day.
“Being in the presence of a piece of art is raw and emotional to me,” said Kim, who describes herself as an “appreciator,” rather than collector. “And you can have a piece of that every day.”
There are no wrong answers. Trust your instinct and your style. Like fashion, you should go with your gut.
“No one second guesses their taste in food, but people often second guess their taste in art. It’s not that different; it’s still an aesthetic experience, a sensory experience,” Kim said.
If you’re still unsure, a design consultant can always advise the right piece for a space or vice versa.
“We incorporate art (flat, dimensional or installations) into the most appropriate location which shows it best,” Andrew explained. “Some art should be placed where it will have the highest impact but others can be placed with surprise and discovery in mind.” Andrew is the co-founder and creative director of Bros. Roman, a multi-disciplinary design/research workshop that consults internationally on architecture and design industry products and projects.
Art Gives Space Life.“Art is part of a narrative,” said Andrew. “Pieces placed into your home tell a story – a story about the family, at that time and place in history. It’s an exciting, visual representation of the aspects of your personality.”
That story might include art that’s been passed down from a family member or art that was created by your children, each piece should hold meaning for the owner.
“When you have art, the artwork or any design for that matter, should incite a rise out of people; out of yourself or the viewer,” Andrew added. “You either love it or hate it. If someone loves it, that’s great…but if someone hates it, that’s fantastic. Art should inspire, induce wonder and should encourage good dialogue, good conversation.”
Buy Original. While there are certainly quality prints and reproductions, there is something special about having an original.
“An original is the actual human touch of the artist; the ultimate luxury of one of a kind. That beats mass-produced prints any day,” Derek said.
There are a plethora of local galleries and art shows that regularly feature local artists so the opportunity to purchase an original is easier than you think. Once you find an artist that “speaks” to you, learn everything you can about the art and the artist who made it. Once you’ve educated yourself and have fallen in love with a work of art, purchase it, take it home and enjoy it.
“If there is anywhere in your home decor that you should be daring, it is with art,” said Derek. “Kim’s home (pictured here) is a perfect example of what we’re talking about – a traditional Florida home with tropical colors, brought to life with eclectic, often modern, art. You see her family’s personality in every room. It sparks great conversation.”
This article appears in the September 2015 issue of SpaceCoast Living. Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to SpaceCoast Living
