"Country Lane" |
You may not be able to afford an
original painting by Vincent van Gogh or Andy Warhol -- after all, who
can? But that doesn't mean you have to
settle for cheap reproductions of “The Masters” or mass-produced posters more
suited to a college dorm room. Instead, I’d
like to suggest that you buy art locally, both for your own home, and as gifts. As a fine art photographer, of course I’m
biased, and have a vested interest in the subject. But my feelings on the subject go deeper than
the desire to sell my own photography. I’ve
always been a list maker, so here’s my list of seven reasons why it makes sense
to buy local art.
1) It’s unique.
Anyone can go to a chain store and buy reproductions or wall-hangings that
were mass-produced in China, but when you buy a local piece of art, you have
something special. When friends and
family see it in your home, it becomes a conversation starter!
2) You can meet the artist. When you buy local artwork, you have the
opportunity to meet and connect with the person who created it. There’s probably a backstory to your piece of
art, and hearing it from the artist adds emotional value to the work. Life is all about relationships, right? So how much more will you enjoy the art in
your home if you have a chance to meet and talk with its creator?
"Fall on Fox Hollow Road" |
3) Become a collector. Many of us
have collections: quilts, glass bottles,
coins, etc. We collect things because of
their beauty, or their rarity, or for sentimental reasons…lots of reasons other
than monetary value. Collecting local
art fits right in with that reasoning.
Whether you add to your collection based on the artist, or the type of
art, or the subject matter, you’re bound to find plenty of options among local artists
and artisans.
4) Surround yourself with familiar
scenes. Local art often revolves around
local scenes and themes, showcasing the beauty of nearby rivers, scenery, natural
areas, or architectural landmarks. Why
not add art to your home that celebrates the places that are special to you and
your family?
"Country Egg Skillet" |
5) It makes you feel good. We like shopping locally, that’s why we support
our local farmer’s markets, hair salons, florists and auto repair shops. Buying local art is an investment in your community.
Instead of sending those dollars out of
your community (or even out of your state or country), let’s keep them right
here at home!
6) Aesthetic Value. Sometimes buying art reminds me of the old “which
came first, the chicken or the egg?” debate.
Do you buy artwork that blends in with your décor, or buy something that
will be the focal piece of the room?
Either answer can be right, it’s just a matter of what’s right for
you. People often come into my art
festival booth, point to something and say, “That will go great in our living
room!” On the other hand, artwork will
be around long after your couch has worn out and been replaced…so it might make
more sense to choose art that you love, and let it influence the rest of the
room. Which leads me to my final and best
reason to buy local art…
"Shake, Shake, Shake!" |
7) Because you love it! Your art choices reflect who you are. Have fun with it and surround yourself with
what makes you happy.
If you also believe in buying
local, please feel free to share this post!
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