How do you choose art for your home?

Many people walk past my studio. The ones that walk in find some connection or attraction that moves them to take the time to look at my art more closely.

We have lots of conversations. One husband declared that the piece of art should be the centerpiece, and if he likes something enough, he will make it work within a room. Art should be a statement, say something. My colors are bold, and each of my artworks are inspired by something I have seen, or a moment or a feeling. They all are unique and have their own story. So they fit his requirement. His wife did not agree. She wanted something that would blend in more, and though she liked my work, what I had in my studio was too dissimilar. I did make the futile suggestion that flow could be created by adding pops of color around the room. Needless to say, my art was not a good fit for that particular couple. And that’s ok. Art is a feeling, a mood, an expression. It needs to be loved.

Then there are the collectors. The art police who are buying because they want an investment, a return. To be honest, I don’t understand these people. Being “fashionable”, or “in fashion” in the art world is superficial. Having best in show at a juried exhibition means at most some random curator appreciated my work. But they are not the buyer. Rushing to get the latest work of an artist based on popularity without consideration of day to day viewing and enjoyment is a different game. Although I do remind visitors that I’m in the city of Houston collection, which gives me some validity and longevity, I really want people to buy my art because they love it. An artist puts in so much love, thought, inspiration to the creative process, giving the art lover many layers to enjoy and discover.

Do you love the art you buy?