The Value of Owning Original Art

Archway artist donna e perkins creates an orginal work of art.

by donna e perkins
(this article was originally featured in 365 Things To Do In Houston)
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Why Surround Yourself with Local Art?
Let me tell you why I love living with my collection of original art. Before I get up in the morning, I enjoy seeing the morning sun, as it rises, play across three artworks on my bedroom wall. One is a cast of a torso covered in strips of musical notes, one is an oil painting of a woman bound by a string of Christmas lights, and one is an explosive abstract with lots of energy and texture. In another area of my living space, the large electrical box located near my front door is covered by a joyful young nude with a tattoo proclaiming, “Happiness is Free.” This image always lifts my mood. All these works have their own emotive energy.  All carry memories. I live in a work/live studio which has fewer walls than a house, but my celling is extremely high. So, in the area I’ve designated as my sitting room, I’ve hung works salon-style, fitting paintings, drawings, prints, and photos together like puzzle pieces far higher than I can reach. My furniture supports the sculptures in my collection.

It’s a Pleasure to Live with Original Art
Every painting, drawing, print, photograph, and sculpture that embellishes my environment brings me pleasure. Each one has emotional content. Each one has a story; a story about when and where I first saw the piece, and what attracted me to it. I enjoy remembering what I know about the artist, and the artist’s story. I’m fascinated with how everything is made. I have all sorts of questions about how the artist created the piece, so it’s a bonus to meet the artist and learn more about the specific artwork. 

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Body Music

How Do You Determine the Value of a Collection of Original Art?
​I’ve lived with some of my collection for decades while some artworks are newly acquired. When I moved to my new place, during the bleakness of the COVID-19 lockdown, I was so overwhelmed and isolated. But once I had some of my art on the walls, this strange space began to feel like home. Being surrounded by my collected art made me feel less isolated as these artworks are my friends. The value my collection has for me is that it makes my life incredibility richer. 

Abstract by Becky Soria

"Bound" by John Slaby

The Pursuit of Specific Works, or the Work by a Particular Artist, May Suit You Some people invest in art for a future financial profit. For this to be successful, it takes more money than I have. It takes a lot of knowledge about the art market. It often takes working with an art consultant who keeps up with what is currently available or coming up for auction. If you can play that game, good for you. To me it sounds like as much fun as actually reading all those reports my mutual funds send.  
How Do You Want to Invest Your Time, Your Energy & Your Money? What makes sense for you? Did the pandemic change how you feel about your home? Were the walls closing in on you? A seascape might remind you of being at the beach. A landscape may enlarge the feel of a room, acting like an added window. Perhaps, you would prefer some totally abstract artwork that adds color and motion and energy to your space. What emotive experience do you desire? What objects do you want to see as you let your mind and eyes wander? You may find, as I have, that by adding original art to your environment, you enrich your life.