by: Carol Chua

WHY BUY ART? To answer this question, ask yourself what your reasons are for thinking of acquiring a piece of art. An artwork can cost a considerable sum, but if it meets your needs, it’s worth every penny.

Anyone can buy art, and for almost any reason. Many people buy an artwork simply because they like it, even if the artwork may be by an unknown artist. Art, as long as you enjoy it, is never a waste of money. As John Keats puts it in Book 1 of Endymion :

“A thing of beauty if a joy for ever:

Its loveliness increases”

Art Is For Enjoyment

Art is meant to be displayed, unlike shares or bonds. Don’t ever feel pressured to buy something you won’t appreciate looking at day after day, no matter what other people may say. Don’t buy something that doesn’t appeal to you just because it is trendy, because the artist is famous, or because you have been advised that the artwork will make a good investment. If you don’t like the artwork at all, don’t buy it!

An artwork should touch your soul, stimulate your thoughts and bring a smile to your lips. It should bring you pleasure, and even joy.

There are only 365 days to a year (366 on leap years). Be selective about how you live those days. Avoid wasting them on something you dislike.

Art Enhances Your Environment

Have you ever noticed that all beautiful homes have art as an integral part of the decor? Art lends life and color to otherwise plain and ordinary walls, nooks and crannies, and mantelpieces. A well thought-out art collection will help create a unique ambience in your home and make it more attractive. For similar reasons, art often graces commercial premises, such as office lobbies and the offices of top executives.

Art Makes a Statement

The kind of art you surround yourself with says much about your personality, tastes and values. Edna Hibel art, for instance, is associated with strong family values and humanitarianism. More on this multiple award-winning artist at: http://www.cherishcollectibles.com/site/1256072/page/459196

Art truly is a mirror of the soul. It’s an expression of who you are. Be true to yourself, and choose art which is meaningful to you.

Art Can Be An Investment

Art can pay handsome returns, but this very rarely happens overnight. If you’re hoping to make a fast buck, art may not be the right avenue for you. There are investors, of course, who like to put their money in art. They do this for two main reasons: emotional as well as financial benefits.

Art is one of those peculiar investments which you can actually admire and enjoy. And researching and hunting down a desired piece of art can be as much fun as owning it! Many art collectors enjoy combing galleries, websites, auctions and even flea markets in pursuit of their passion. Profiting eventually from the sale of a find becomes a bonus.

The promise of both pleasure and profit from art certainly adds to the appeal of art collecting.

Art Enriches Your Life

At a conference on health and ageing, held in Brisbane, Australia, the founding professor of complementary medicine at Melbourne’s RMIT University shared his findings that love – even the love of an activity or an inanimate object, such as a work of art – contributes to healthier living and a longer lifespan. Art should enrich your life. Otherwise, why spend precious time and resources on it?

Art Makes An Impression

When you need to give a gift which will make a lasting impression, a delectable piece of artwork is hard to beat. Any beneficiary will appreciate receiving such an exclusive gift, and be honored that you valued her enough to give her something so unique and precious.

Just remember to select something which will appeal to your recipient’s tastes, and keep to a sensible budget. Good art needn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Before you part with your money, there are several golden rules of art acquisition to consider. Look out for them in Part 2 of this series, titled “ SIX GOLDEN RULES OF ART COLLECTING”.

Happy art collecting!

About The Author

Copyright © 2006 Carol Chua - Carol Chua is the co-owner of Cherish Collectibles, an online gallery of art, collectibles and gifts by multiple award-winning American artist Edna Hibel. Visit http://www.cherishcollectibles.com to see this renowned artist’s heartwarming artwork. Carol also co-owns an online jewelry store featuring the creations of another award-winning artist, at http://www.silver-butterfly-jewelry.com.