art investment

Why Purchase Original Artwork?

In a world dominated by mass production and digital reproductions, the allure of original artwork remains timeless and profound. Owning an original piece of art is not just about decorating a space; it’s about investing in a unique creation that carries the artist’s vision, passion, and craftsmanship.

Uniqueness and Personal Connection: In contrast to mass-produced art you can purchase in a mass retailer or box store, original art pieces are each totally unique. They provide a direct link to the artist and their creative process. Every detail — the brushstrokes, textures, and color selections capture the artist’s feelings and ideas at the moment of creation.

Supporting Artists and the Art Community: Buying original artwork provides direct support to artists and their work. It allows them to keep creating and enriching the cultural scene. By investing in original art, you nurture creativity and help artists maintain their livelihoods, and this is as encouraging to the artist as it is humbling. That someone would part with hard earned cash for one of my paintings — that demands the very best I can do every time I paint.

Investment Potential: Original artwork has the potential to increase in value over time. Although not every piece will become a financial asset, many artworks appreciate as the artist’s reputation expands. This potential for growth makes original art a valuable investment, both in terms of financial return and aesthetic enjoyment.

“That someone would part with hard earned cash for one of my paintings — that demands the very best I can do every time I paint.”

Emotional and Aesthetic Value: Art possesses the ability to stir emotions, ignite inspiration, and alter environments. A unique piece can bring happiness, stimulate contemplation, and craft a distinctive atmosphere in your living or working space. The bond you form with an original artwork can offer enduring contentment and a sense of accomplishment.

Cultural and Historical Significance: Original artworks frequently embody the cultural and historical milieu of their creation. They act as concrete chronicles of artistic trends, societal shifts, and individual stories.

To wrap it up, purchasing original artwork is an investment in creativity, culture, and personal enrichment. It offers a unique blend of aesthetic pleasure, emotional connection, and potential financial gain, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

"Why Should I Purchase Artwork?"

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As an artist with an open studio, there are lots of questions I get asked from people who are visiting Asheville’s River Arts District. Sometime, I should make a list of the funniest (i.e. strangest!) questions I get asked but that’s for another blog post. :)

There is one question out there that is very rarely asked but is actually a valid question: Why should I purchase artwork? I almost think that if you’re asking that question, you probably shouldn’t be buying artwork. You should just go home to your concrete cube, turn on your single light bulb in the middle of the cube, sit down on your mat and stare at the wall and drink your protein smoothie. What? You have a nice house on a hillside with a nice view? You have a wide screen TV? You have granite countertops in your kitchen? Why? Is that necessary? As far as basic human needs go, we just need shelter (a roof and preferably some walls). Is the rest necessary? As far as basic human needs go, we just need food. Are herbs and spices necessary? Is awesome flavor “necessary”?

Is artwork a good investment? Yes. Absolutely every time.

Why have a nice house? Why have a nice car? Why have anything other than what is absolutely necessary? Simply because those extra things give us joy. Why sprinkle herbs de Provence on your chicken? Those herbs don’t add any nutritional value, so they’re unnecessary, correct? Technically, yes. But we add them because it just really makes the chicken taste awesome, right? Herbs de Provence gives us joy. The nice extras on top of the absolute rock-bottom necessities are added to life because they give us joy.

So, is artwork a good investment? Yes. Absolutely every time. Joy is beyond value. Can’t afford a $100,000 painting by some famous artist? Neither can I. (That’s why I paint my own paintings!) What I’m talking about is not necessarily a huge financial investment in art (unless you have deep pockets and that artwork you would like to purchase gives you joy. If that’s you, please email me at stclaireart@gmail.com or visit my studio at 344 Depot Street, Asheville NC. For the rest of us, what I’m talking about is even small, wise investments into a local artist because he or she is creating things that add joy to this world. When you purchase a painting or glass vase or a ceramic pitcher or piece of hand crafted furniture, you not only invest into something that adds joy to your own life, but you’re investing in another human being, enabling them to continue to create, which gives them joy. Joy goes all around!

So now and then, reach for that nice bottle of wine, sprinkle those herbs on your meat (or veggies) turn on some beautiful music, watch a sunset and sing. Why? Because it’s a necessity? Well actually, yes I think it is.