March 20th, 2016

Excerpts courtesy of MyDomiane website, written by Gabrielle Savoie.

Unless you’re an art curator, gallery owner, or artist, chances are that buying art does not come very naturally to you. A few weeks ago during a visit to artist Zoë Pawlak’s studio in Montréal, the subject of buying art came up. We touched on questions like How do I choose? When do I invest? How do I educate myself?

Like What you Like
While your home décor can obey certain rules, such as investing in neutral couches or flooring, I urge people to use their walls for irrational or eclectic choices. “Art is a place for expression through color, content, and texture,” says Pawlak. “Choose art at a heart level, and don’t forget about sculptures and rugs!” They can make artistic statements too.
Get to Know the Artist
“Getting to know the artist that made your art helps you to understand the content of the work and the context around the piece itself.” If you don’t get the chance to meet the artist in person, read up. Many contemporary galleries offer artist profiles online. Read up on the people who produced your art, or follow them on Instagram to get a glimpse into their lives!
Be Ready to Act Fast, or Miss Out
“There are exactly three pieces I regret not investing in at the time. How do I know that? I still think about them.” Art is often unique and one-of-a-kind (unless you’re buying from a photography or limited print series). If your heart leaps at the sight of a piece, don’t hesitate too long, or you could miss out. “The film Herb & Dorothy is a great example of how you can buy what you love and still live on a budget,” says Pawlak.

Get a Piece Commissioned

“Don’t ask the artist to stray too far from their style or try to control them too much. This is a recipe for disaster.” Getting a commissioned piece of art is a great way to get exactly the right size for your space while collecting the work of an artist you love. When choosing an artist, make sure he or she has experience in making commissions, or ask a client who’s worked with the artist in the past to share their experience. “Having done over 300 commissioned artworks myself, I am extremely familiar with what I can and cannot offer,” says Pawlak. Make sure you clearly state your expectations before the work begins so that you are not disappointed.

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Posted in Gallery Insights