I unpacked my art recently, just to make sure all was safe and not damaged from the six months that they spent boxed and mostly on a ship and now, in my cellar in a very dry space. I pulled out my paintings and felt a huge sense of relief to see that all were in perfect shape. Yay! This makes me very, very happy. But this is not my art dilemma...
Above you can view some original works by American artist
Jennifer Davis. Jennifer is amazing. I own eight original paintings by her, five are shown. I love her work, though I wish so many were not orange because I am not at all a fan of orange these days. I don't think I ever was, but I went through this orange phase for a few years and these paintings were part of that phase.
And another thing when it comes to other paintings I own -- I don't know where to display them or what to do with art that I no longer relate to - work that does not match my design aesthetic or home. Not the ones shown but some I have still in storage. They worked for me once but no longer feel like a fit. Could be because I live in a different part of the world with different light and in a new landscape. My art collection values at around $10,000 USD or slightly more - not including prints and limited edition work. That's a lot of money spent on paintings that I don't know what to do with! I love my artist friends and though some of this work I will keep because I do have a connection... for instance in the photo above I will most likely display three of them when I move and have the wall space.
So I ask... what does one do with art that they no longer relate to? What would you do? Do you think it would offend the artist if I sold some of it? What do I do with original work that I no longer feel a connection to - perhaps the colors or imagery or other? Just because it doesn't suit me doesn't mean someone else wouldn't adore it as I once did.
Thoughts?
(image: holly becker)
Comments
Anyway, if you decide to sell some of your art, tell me, I'm currently looking for original prints ! ;-)
As for the art, I think if you don't feel it's making a positive impact in your home, then you should sell it to a new home. Not sure the best way to do that, though.
On the other hand, if you don't have space, sell it or give it away. Artists, like gift-givers, don't really get a say once it's left their hands, and as long as the art (or gift) is not being mutilated or abused I don't see a right to offense.
As clutter goes, art at least stacks tidily in storage. ::grin::
What would you do with a skirt that does not fit over your hips or into your wardrope anymore? Would you keep it for years just because you did not buy it at a chain store, but because somebody made it by hand and sold it via Etsy? Probably you would get rid of it.
Allow yourself to let go!
I have similar dilemmas sometimes with things, especially when they seem unique. But a house crowded with stuff from your past usually doesnt make you happy.
These paintings are beautiful and there could be many new homes for them, where they would be appreciated. :)
If it were my work, I might be a little sad, but honestly I want my things to be with people who LOVE them. AND, by gifting or selling the pieces, you're introducing new people to the work - maybe sparking the interest of the next avid collector.
Maybe you can swap with a friend who has other art they would like to swap for.
I like the artwork a lot - so I'm sure you'll be able to find a loving home for it.
Trades are always a good idea too-I do this with other artists. When we get tired of something or just want a change a good swap always does the trick!
so i agree. maybe put them aside until you move into your new space then try a few there. if you still aren't connecting...sell them.
i'm sure an artist would rather their work be hanging and loved in the home of someone else, than stored away.
I really agree with Virginia's thoughts...after spending money on art I no longer connect with, I'm almost afraid to buy art I currently love. I'm afraid my tastes will change again.
I hope you find a way to pass on the art you no longer want; I would imagine that maybe a local gallery or maybe even eBay would be a good way to do this? Or, give pieces as gifts to friends who would love them. Even if you don't get money for all of the pieces you want to part with, at least knowing they are going to a good home would leave you with a really good feeling.
But i do understand what you mean..
I beleive things are ment to be used, thats there purpose as objects. If they dont suit you, give them new life by any of the ways you mentioned
I'm not sure how one would go about selling original art they bought from the artist. I would think some artists wouldn't mind, but think others might. Do you charge what you paid for it? If less, how much less? I curious to see what feedback you get.
I too get bored (so to speak) with art after several years. I usually just store it a while until it looks fresh to me again. Or work into another part of my home.
That's what I think at least :)
i don't think it is offensive to sell the art if you no longer have the space or need for them too.
If you have large/higher priced items you haven't enjoyed in years I'd look at reselling {and reinvesting in new pieces, yay!}. If the artist is known they are likely to have a following who may be looking for some of their earlier works!
If they're smaller {easier to store} and you've loved them for a long time, I'd consider keeping them and revisiting them in a few years - as your decor style/tastes are likely to change again!
Once I was head over heels in love with my brother's (also a painter) art work and I had it all over my house. His works were very jarring and one day I wanted a softer touch in my home. I replaced his paintings with my own. He was horribly hurt and I felt terrible.
I've had the same experience. I have given paintings to family and they've ended up smashed into closets with the gifts they didn't like. Still, tastes change.
Art is meant to be viewed and loved, not smashed into a closet.
Please pass these along to someone who will love them. It pains me to think of them in a closet. I like jja's comment about donationg them. (Except for the Jennifer Davis painting of a girl, which should be mailed to me immediately. :) Maybe you can auction them off and donate the money to Haiti?
Are you familiar with the term Indian giver? We usually use that term as a negative, but it is actually a positive thing. The Native Americans believed that possessions should remain dynamic. To hoard stagnates the flow of energy. When they gave settlers gifts and it pained them when gifts were hoarded and not used. When one person is done with something, they should let it move to someone who can use or love it. The Natives tried to show the settlers this and were misunderstood.
Perhaps we should be careful not to buy art that is so trendy. However, it's important to support artists. Have you asked your artist friends their thoughts on this?
Lastly, it is important to note that art can stand alone and doesn't have to match decor.
Sorry for going on and on. I will look forward to other comments on this post. I will also look forward to how you resolve this issue. Take care.
Maybe put it up on eBay or kijiji.de?
I like CluelessCrafter's point about making it a positive thing for the artist in the sell/trade/donate phase.
I once hosted 2 massive paintings 'on loan' for a couple of years from an artist friend. He said he'd give me a commission if I sold them. Maybe you have a friend who can host them for you that will enjoy them more and give you a cut if they sell them? (or decide to purchase one themselves)
I would rather buy fewer pieces that I know will speak to me for a long time, knowing I will always make space for it. I have some blank walls in the meantime, but no regrets!
It shouldn't be forgotten that a painter gives a piece of their soul when they create a work. So the letting go first starts with the painter. This can be a difficult process.
I have trouble selling my works, as they are my children. And I am always terrified they will end up unloved.
I have beautiful things hoarded in my closet and have often thought that we should start a blogger exchange network.
Obviously, each reason will have a slightly different answer, but to address the issue of changing taste specifically, just like artists' styles grow change and evolve over time, so your tastes change too. However, what is so exciting about Collecting art, is to be able to see that process unfold over time. You may not feel that particular pieces of your collection are as "en vogue" or appelaing to you right now, but you may be thrilled to have them many years from now as part of a bigger collection.
I can (and do!) argue that I have many pieces that don't fit in my small Boston apartment. However, I've had art-world friends argue that if I truly loved the work, I would have to live with it and could hang salon style. True. But it's not my aesthetic and feels too "noisey" for me. I need space and time to have quiet dialog with individual paintings. Do I LOOOVE visiting my friends' homes who hang salon style -you bet!
So what to do with art that simply does not "fit" anymore? I lend my art to family and friends. I know, sounds insane to lend something that valuable, but I always remind myself of the joy I get from living with original art. To be able to share that joy is an extraordinary experience. Well, just look at what I do for a living ;-)
Stephanie Walker
Walker Contemporary
ps- sorry for crazy typos. all from an iPhone.
If you have the space, store it. You may hit another orange phase 3 years down the line and regret your choice to part with the art. Otherwise and since you are obviously a "much" neater person than myself. Sell it on e-bay or etsy or a consignment shop, or swap with a friend. I gift stuff all the time.
If you have a good working relationship/friendship with the artist, discuss it with him/her. It is perfectly within your purvue to sell it, you own it, you paid for it, it wasn't a rental. ^_^
I just parted with a painting i'd done my (now ex) husband. I painted it for him, it was his Christmas present 30 years ago, so i gave it to him in the divorce. But, i did ask that if he decided he "didn't" want it, i wanted it back. He agreed.
Take a few that you still love and pop them in a closet to swap with your current display.
I think it would be nice if you gave away a few pieces here or at Decor8, or even better, auctioned some off for a cause you believe in. (am I too bold to suggest that?)
And sell the rest.
As an artist myself, I do not get upset when I find out that a painting that someone purchased from me years ago has been sold. In fact, I've seen 1 older piece of mine on ebay. Might I suggest putting the paintings that you don't want into storage. It might be that in a few years you will feel different about them and want them back on display.
If you're sure that you really can't live with them any more you could donate them to a charity that could re-sell them and use the money, or gift them to a friend that you know would love them. If these options don't work for you then try ebay, yard sales, or consignment shops.
i think there is nothing offending in selling some of your art collection. art is sold and resold all the time. that is how the art market works.
as for the artist itself, i think it can also be a very positive thing, this way your art will be enjoyed by more people!
It's all the prints from long ago which I no longer like that I am stuck with....