Think you can't afford real art?
Let's face it, no home looks complete without something hanging on the walls. The are the earrings of the home and more of a statement about you, your style and interests than anything else.
Many clients say to me, oh, I can't afford 'real art' and I wouldn't know where to go or what to buy. They leave artworks as an afterthought in their interior, only purchasing what they can afford after the furniture and big TV. What if you started with the art and built your home around it? Oftentimes, clients just don't know where to start with their interior, if that's the case, try choosing an artwork as a base and build off that. Is it modern, abstract, have a dominant colour palette or theme?
Next, where to go? Simply googling your local galleries is a good place to start. Sign up for some newsletters and start going to some openings. You'll soon learn what you like and the gallery owners will give you some information about the artist, their exhibition history, awards, prices etc. I personally love emerging art and love to support up and coming artists, plus you can get in on the ground floor as far as prices are concerned! Some artworks I have bought have quadrupled in value, not that I would sell them as I always buy works I love but still it's nice to spend money on things that appreciate in value!
There are new ways to buy art as galleries realise that not everyone can afford works upfront. This is a brilliant way to be able to not only afford original works but start creating a portfolio of art that you just love. Art Money is like Afterpay for art. You simply go to the website and fill in all the relevant details, you get a loan for 10 months and it's 10 equal payments. I would check with the gallery from which you want to purchase from first though as a lot have layby now and very flexible terms of repayment.
In Brisbane I particularly love Edwina Corlette Gallery in New Farm and on the Gold Coast Anthea Polson Art Gallery. They both have an amazing stable of artists on board. They also both have layby!
The current exhibition at Edwina Corlette Gallery is Stephan Dunlop...
The current exhibition at Anthea Polson is Robert Ryan...
So, don't be afraid to dip your toe into the art world, there are ways to invest in original pieces and many galleries also now have super high quality limited edition prints of their artists works too that are much more cost effective at around $1100 usually.
If you are unsure about where to start, I'm always happy to lead you in the right direction, I can visit your home and give you some advice on where to begin....and don't forget, lets start with the art!
Joc x
principal designer
