Whether it's worth buying original art is subjective and depends on your preferences, budget, and the value you place on art. There is a lot of art out there, so to begin with, what is meant by "original art?"

Original Art

When we talk about "original" art, we mean unique pieces you can't find anywhere else. No copies, no mass production (no posters!) - just the individual work of art made by the artist. The thing that makes original art so exceptional is that there's nothing else quite like it. You won't find identical copies hanging around. Perhaps most importantly, it contains a bit of the artist's soul.

Here are five reasons why you might consider buying original art:

Uniqueness and Authenticity

An original piece of art reveals the artist's hand. In many cases, you can see the artist's process - their brush marks, nuances in color, and the texture of the work. Even if you can't figure out exactly how they made the piece (most of the time, you won't), it's fun to try and work it out - to wonder about it. There is a history, often hidden, in making the piece. And there is life to an original work of art, a kind of energy you won't find in a reproduction, however fine.

Emotional and Aesthetic Appeal

Have you ever had the experience of seeing a work of art for the first time that immediately transports you? Art, especially original art, has the power to reach out and tell a story. When that story reminds you of something you've experienced, there can be an emotional flood of recognition that is almost overwhelming.

Art has an uncanny ability to transcend boundaries and speak to us on a deep level. When we encounter a work of art that resonates with us, it can indeed be a transformative experience. Art has the power to transport us, stir our emotions, and ignite our imagination.

Curating a Personal Collection

One of the joys of collecting original art is that it allows you, the collector, to express your individual taste. It becomes a reflection of your unique identity. It's like having your own Pinterest board at home on your walls. And your collection can increase in value with time. This leads to the following reason for buying original art.

Potential Investment Value

For some collectors, building a collection is a long-term investment strategy. They carefully select artworks based on their perceived value and potential for appreciation over time. Collecting art can offer financial benefits if the value of the artworks in the collection increases. Not all art increases in value, but buying art from emerging artists has the potential to gain in worth.

An "emerging artist" refers to a talented and promising artist in the early stages of their career, typically at the beginning of gaining recognition and establishing a presence in the art world. The term "emerging" implies that the artist is in the process of emerging or coming forward and actively developing their artistic practice, style, and voice.

Supporting Artists

Another reason to buy original art is that it supports the artist directly rather than a corporation like West Elm or Pottery Barn, where the artist earns a fee through licensing their art. Supporting an artist by buying artwork from them allows them to continue making their art, enriching our culture and lives.

Side note: this is a bit of a rant and only a tiny related, but I cannot understand climate activists defacing artwork in museums. I get that they are trying to show what is at stake if we cannot do something about climate change, but why destroy something as precious and life-giving as art? I find it hypocritical.

Budget Considerations

While not a reason to buy original art, I felt it necessary to consider the potential costs.

Original work ranges in price from affordable to very expensive. If you are looking at purchasing a piece of art from an established, late-career artist, you'll indeed pay a hefty fee. But emerging artists often have pieces for sale that are pretty affordable. And depending on the medium used - oil versus charcoal, for example - the prices will also vary.

The point is that buying original art need not cost a fortune. It's more than possible to own an original for the price of a fine dinner. And you'll get to enjoy it forever rather than just once.

I hope I've convinced you that purchasing original art is affordable, worthwhile, and fun!