"The case for buying art – even if it's a luxury!"

And, why it’s even okay to purchase art directly from artists - right now. "The paradigm has shifted. Less than a year ago, 

the wealthy [or seemingly rich] were in a feeding frenzy

scooping up contemporary art - at the most notable of 

galleries, art expos and auction houses in New York, 

Miami, Paris, London, Venice and beyond. The value

of the art work was highly inflated – boosted by 

the insatiable appetites of those who wanted to 

consume and who believed the spin… “you must

own this. ” The spin-meisters? Gallerists, 

curators & art "advisors" who had something to gain.

Less-than-well-executed paintings, broken pottery, 

preserved wildlife, graffiti, cartoons - even excrement

– was touted as “important,” as precious, as invaluable

– and hundreds ofthousands – if not several millions of

dollars were spent. “Good” art seemed out of reach for all but the top echelon. And the art purchased? Its value has 

plummeted [like most things]. It is possible it will never 

recover the value paid. The “investors” were sold not

on quality, but on the buzz created by clever marketers. 

So why buy art now? Because no one else is.Visual artists

 throughout the world have suffered the lingering drag 

of the economy. Hardly anyone is attending the “big shows”

sales have slumped, prices have dropped, and galleries 

have closed. The artists, creating their work alone in 

their studios are still making fabulous art. It can be 

had for a song…right now. You don’t need to 

believe the buzz… just believe your heart. 

Sure, visit the galleries – visit the expos – 

but going directly to the artist is neither a sin – 

nor a mistake. If you find work that calls to you

– and it is affordable – buy it. Buy it now. First 

ask yourself these questions – Is this particular art something: · Forever – Do you want to live with for eternity? 

Will it have  meaning to your children or a museum someday?

· Of quality? Is it exceptionally well made? · Of unquestionable integrity? That demonstrate honesty – does it reveal something about the artist, his or her vision

 – does it tell a story? · Unique – is it extraordinary? 

The only one of its kind – not manufactured or 

created by one of the artist’s assistants? Is it rare 

enough – distinctive? Some artists churn out work

 on an assembly line – [and some galleries sell it] 

make sure this isn’t seen everywhere. · Irreplaceable? 

Not just in the sense that it is insurable… 

do you dream about owning it? · Impractical? 

I’m not talking about a clever lampshade or 

hand-bound journal · Admired? Do others feel

 the same passion for the artist as you do? Is it a luxury? You bet. So why buy direct from the artist? · People. People like to buy from people. You’ll create

 a relationship with the artist. You know what makes

them tick and why their unique gift – their art - is the

art that speaks to your soul. You will know each other 

for years to come. The artist will stay in touch – will 

show you their new work first – will invite you to their 

shows… and they’ll love you forever just for buying their

work. · Pleasure. Luxury consumption – buying art - 

is all about the experience – your senses will come alive

 – you will have an emotional connection to the art

\ – you will derive great satisfaction from owning the

one-and-only piece. · Purpose. As non-utilitarian as your 

art purchase may be… it still has a purpose – it is décor 

after all – it will have its place on your wall or on a pedestal. In conclusion, what may seem to be a luxury – buying art 

– from the artist, is actually a very sensible and practical move 

- in this economy – at this moment. In time, the art market 

may shift back to the old paradigm. So in the meantime, 

supporting working artists is more important than ever. 

Is not just a wise financial assumption, it will be good for 

your soul [and theirs]. And, the benefit of staring at your 

art purchase at your home of office may keep your heart 

fluttering until the economy returns to normal. "By Marie-Thérèse Beddoes 2009 - June