Great description of why I like to be in the gallery. The more years doing this, the more I realize I don't sell art. It is the right piece, at the right time, for the right person. And make the transaction. It is magical when it happens. Granted, I have sold many pieces for other reasons. A collector who wants a specific artist in their collection or is buying as much as they can of a particular artist. A collector who buys a piece as an investment -- thinking they will hold and sell the piece. Nothing wrong with any of that. But it is never as special as that "know it when I see it" sale as you describe.
True story, several years ago I was at a major art fair in Florida where lots of International galleries were showing their art. Lots of high end stuff including Monet, Manet, Bouguereau, etc. I was admiring a Bouguereau while an apparent sale of a Monet was happening in the same booth. The buyer asked for a tape measure so he could see if the Monet was big enough to go with his couch at home. My immediate thought was, "Who cares? It's a Monet. Buy a different couch"! I think it was the right size though. The guy bought it.
Love your article Clint. It is important that an art piece speak to you. And your mind continues to go back to the image. When this happens the art was meant for you because that same feeling will repeat itself every time your eyes rest upon it. There are many reasons that the art resonates with you. It creates a feeling, an event or a memory from the past or a wish for the future. Whatever it is for you, you will regret leaving it behind.
Great description of why I like to be in the gallery. The more years doing this, the more I realize I don't sell art. It is the right piece, at the right time, for the right person. And make the transaction. It is magical when it happens. Granted, I have sold many pieces for other reasons. A collector who wants a specific artist in their collection or is buying as much as they can of a particular artist. A collector who buys a piece as an investment -- thinking they will hold and sell the piece. Nothing wrong with any of that. But it is never as special as that "know it when I see it" sale as you describe.
True story, several years ago I was at a major art fair in Florida where lots of International galleries were showing their art. Lots of high end stuff including Monet, Manet, Bouguereau, etc. I was admiring a Bouguereau while an apparent sale of a Monet was happening in the same booth. The buyer asked for a tape measure so he could see if the Monet was big enough to go with his couch at home. My immediate thought was, "Who cares? It's a Monet. Buy a different couch"! I think it was the right size though. The guy bought it.
Love your article Clint. It is important that an art piece speak to you. And your mind continues to go back to the image. When this happens the art was meant for you because that same feeling will repeat itself every time your eyes rest upon it. There are many reasons that the art resonates with you. It creates a feeling, an event or a memory from the past or a wish for the future. Whatever it is for you, you will regret leaving it behind.