Art Speaks
In an age of “disposable,” the trend for wall décor has been taken over by “posters.” We tend to think that we will only find original art in a museum. We think of classic artists and how expensive their works can be.
When an artist creates a work of art, a piece of that artist is within that artwork. When you buy a piece of art, you buy a piece of that artist. Owning a piece of art instead of owning a reproduction is like having a person actually in the room with you, rather than having a photograph of that person on your desk
The best part of original art is the uniqueness that it brings. No one else will have that image. Because we are unique, our view on art is unique. The only thing more fun than buying a piece of art is buying a piece of art and knowing the artist. Having your artwork purchased is a great affirmation and encouragement to continue your craft.
I confess that I proudly have a print of “Starry Night” by van Gogh on my work room wall. It is a favorite that I picked up as a souvenir from my one visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. The print is not only valuable to me for the image but the associated memories. Prints and reproductions have a place in our lives. But so must original art.
Purchasing original art need not break the bank. If you can buy the art unframed you will save some cost. Wait till a local framing store has a sale and you can get a bargain. You can pick up beautiful frames at garage sales. Think out of the box when framing, consider items you wouldn't normally use. I once saw a really nice work framed in a toilet stool lid. Honest.
The Muskogee Art Guild represents a number of very good local artists, who twice a year have shows open to the public. Art Under the Oaks, an annual event sponsored by the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, is another opportunity for affordably purchasing original art.
If you really want to invest in the future, attend a student art show. They are full of new ideas, new ways of interpreting images and will make a wonderful conversation piece in your home.
There is a new source of purchasing artwork developing called, Giclee. It is a fine art digital reproduction. You have to be careful however that the paper and inks used are of the highest quality or you end up with an expensive poster.
Our “disposable” world has brought many conveniences to make life easier. I encourage you not to give in to the idea of disposable art. But instead consider original art an investment.
