Collecting From The Heart

What makes any individual an “authority” on what or whom to collect? Well, we can take this question apart and evaluate it any number of ways, but the answer comes out pretty simply. Nothing. Yes, yes…of course, having a proven track record of having one’s finger on the pulse of the up-and-coming this or that is certainly helpful; as are degrees in art history and economics. But when it really comes down to it, how can anyone rely on a so-called “authority”, when it comes to making a purchase of something as personal and emotional and sentimental as art?

Let me put this another way. There is a very miniscule percentage of the public, that has the means and the desire to purchase art solely for its investment value. For those individuals, the passion involved in making these purchases undoubtedly comes more from the thrill of investing, rather than the art itself. And that is okay. I, as a painter, am glad those individuals have chosen ART as their vehicle for financial investment opportunities! But the question stands: “How does one build a valuable collection?” This very question was asked of Benjamin Genocchio, Editor of Art+Auction Magazine, and he had much to say in response. In his “From The Editor” note in the September 2010 issue, he first answers very basically, that “a great collection is the product of personal taste, of a single vision and a commitment to acquiring the very best available objects of a single category.” For me, “single category” sticks out as a point worth considerable note. Art collecting does not simply involve collecting art, but if we go by what Genocchio says, it means collecting within a single category of art. I am sure he is quite right, however, what if ART is your “single category”, as opposed to Pop Art, or Ashcan School, or Post-Impressionism? Does that make you less of a collector? In my estimation, the answer is NO.

When you buy your first work of art, that is the first step. I remember when I bought mine. It was in 1988, and I had been eyeing a George Colin piece at a gallery on Wells Street. Oh, I wanted it so badly, but I could not afford it. I saved and scrounged for a while, and finally had enough to go in and get it. It was such a great and proud moment for me. I was barely twenty years old. A struggling artist in my own right, yet it was so important for me to start a collection of my own; of work that I felt an emotional connection to; work that inspired me, and motivated me.

My collection has grown immensely since then, and I have worked hard to acquire every piece that I own. But the only “category” this collection can fall into is the “Passionately Connected to René’s Heart” category.

So, does this diminish the value of the works I have acquired? No, I do not believe that it does. Who knows, some of these could end up being quite valuable, from a monetary standpoint. Or maybe not, but my children are growing up surrounded by this wonderful collection; some of which will undoubtedly end up in their homes one day, and so on from there. My children have had a say in what works have ended up in our home, and THAT has great value. They are learning about art, and what is involved in purchasing and collecting, and why it is so important. The collection has tremendous value, when I look at it that way.

So, whether collecting for the beauty and splendor of the individual works you will own, or for the future value of the works, most experts (including Genocchio) do believe one key thing: “Of all the reasons to acquire art, the most important and time-tested is THE ENJOYMENT OF LOOKING AT IT.”