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ART TIP OF THE WEEK
I once fired a lawyer because of his choice of artwork. He had let his staff pick out work to hang in the outer offices of his firm. They choose copies of a
painter, well known only because of his copies, who's art copyrights are owned by a corporation that trades on Wall Street, and some other copies equally as
horrid. They were well framed, but so what. They could have spent far less money on a few originals by people in the community and had an investment as well as a good feeling in the office.
I told him," If this is how you spend my money, you will be spending no more of it."
Harsh? Perhaps, but the art ones displays in their offices and in their homes tells a great deal about how well educated they are, how much they pay attention
to the world outside their TV, and how they see themselves. When people visit your office or home do they avoid comment about your
artwork, or perhaps they effuse about your taste saying things like, "Oh, I think my dentist has that one on his ceiling", or "my, just look at those little lights, how
interesting". These are sure signs you are suffering from the dread disease "Cheepcraparitis". Most cases of "Cheapcraparitis" are caused by lack of awareness or lack
of information. Some cases are just cause by stupidity, but those are rare. It takes time to cure this. A few things you can do: Go to a museum by
yourself and take time to look. If you do not like a painting, know why you do not like it. The same if you love it. Go to local Art Galleries that sell original
works and ask questions. Tell them you are not going to buy anything, you just want to look and ask questions. A good gallery owner or manager will take time
to show you what they have, why they have it, and answer as many questions as they can. Most people do not think they have the time. Ask yourself, "How much
time am I going to spend with this abomination!" before you leap at a chance to buy "the last one we have left" of a copy that says 2400/25000 on the bottom
and has two signatures, one in the painting and one in pencil on the border of the copy. Be aware of the phrases used by those who carry the disease: "Bill Gates
owns one of his paintings", "This one has been very popular", "We can get this one for you in a number of sizes", " The burgundy mat is just superb with most decor. And the ever popular, "Let me dim the light for you!"
Would you like your heirs to say, "This is a work done by (fill in the blank); my family bought it when they started collecting. It is one of our most prized
pieces." OR " What are we going to do with this crap?" Think about it.
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