Why Do You Buy Art?

I recently had the experience of watching someone have a “love at first sight” moment with a painting of mine. They saw the painting from across the room, and then without breaking eye contact, they walked toward it and picked it up. After standing with it for a few seconds, they looked at me and stated, “I want this”. They didn’t ask the price. They just bought it. It was hands down the fastest sale I’ve ever made. It was a great feeling! I couldn’t help but wonder what drew him to that particular piece of art. Was he reminded of some place? Did it bring back a memory? Was it just a piece for that little wall next to the chair in the study?

An artist that I follow mentioned in a podcast that she doesn’t paint a product, but rather, she paints feelings. I think that is very true. I think that many people buy art because it makes them feel something. One of my favorite pieces of art in my home is a tiny little print that my husband bought me when we were dating. I was still living in Birmingham, Alabama, and we were in a little shop that supports local artists. I found a stack of prints by a photographer named Carl Moore. He poses toy action figures, stages scenes with them and then photographs them. They are each cleverly titled, which honestly, really ties the art together. I picked up one little 5x7 print and just started laughing. Brent bought it on the spot. He said that I absolutely needed that little piece of art in my life if it gave me such a wonderful reaction.

I really don’t think he expected me to frame it. It really didn’t match anything in my house at the time. However, I put it in a gold frame to make it match my decor, and on the wall it went!. It currently hangs in our living room and it still makes me smile. Brent was right!

Since that time, I buy art differently. I buy art that makes me feel or remember. We also have many pieces that are gifts from people we love. One piece may have been given to me by a dear friend or made by a family member or painted by a local artist. We also frame photos from our vacations. Now dont get me wrong, occasionally you need something to put in that big blank place over the chair. But my favorite pieces are always the emotional ones.

I would love to hear what inspires your art purchases!

“He Looks Nothing Like His Profile Pic” by Carl Moore