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For all who’ve gone through the process of sourcing art, you know all too well the challenges that come with finding the right piece. Regardless of your preferential inclinations, there are a handful tips to keep in mind before springing for a work of art. Hard-pressed on where to start? We caught up with Chelsea N. Nassib – founder and CEO of
Tappan, an initiative geared towards unearthing and cultivating the emerging artists of today – to get the lowdown on how to pick the right piece for your style and space. Here’s what we learned.
“Visit exhibitions, read up on blogs and current art magazines, and get a sense of what you like. Ultimately, you don’t need to know anything about art in order to love it. The more you see, the easier it’ll become to understand what you like and what you dislike. Art can be intimidating, with all the theories and concepts and history, but it’s also the most primal expression of the human condition. Not everything will speak to you, but something will, and that love for a work is something you can always trust.”
Above: GIA COPPOLA, UNTITLED VI
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Tappan has several Art Advisors who can educate you on everything from aesthetics to information about specific artists. A lot of people are intimidated by art in general, but it’s important to know that there’s no wrong interpretation of work, and there are no silly questions. In some cases, you might even be able to set up a studio visit to see some of the work in person, which can help you figure out what you like.”
“Once you’ve found a piece that speaks to you, make it the centerpiece of your collection. Even if you’re not planning on starting a major collection right away, it’s much easier to curate your own gallery wall if you have a single piece as a touchstone. For instance, you can simply expand your collection by looking for pieces that are the same size as your center piece, and working from there.”
Our biggest takeaways? It’s not all about splurging on the latest and most trendiest piece, or forcing another’s taste onto yourself. Identify the piece that speaks to you and build your collection from there. More importantly, don’t rush things! Take your time and scour the market to see what’s available. There’s no point in amassing a large collection from the start – build it slowly overtime and you’ll find that you’ll appreciate each piece all the more.
Above: ALICE QUARESMA, VIOLET
Where are your go-to sources for finding art? Sound of in the comments below!
Read More:
How to Create a Gallery Wall in a Tiny Apartment
The Best Gallery Walls We’ve Seen (Lately)
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