How to Buy Real Art
by Ljubica Todorovic

For many, the term “original art”, “gallery” or “culture” is frustrating. Those who are not educated about why art is important respond with, “Why should I spend my free time looking at something I can not obtain?” or, “I live life in the fast lane… art isn’t important in my life – eating out, driving my new car and partying with my friends is.”

I want to spend my money because I work hard for it. Don’t tell me what to do.

Art galleries, musuems, artists, etcetera can not force the unwilling to participate in the art world. In fact, we encourage you not to get involved until you feel the urge to change your lifestyle. If you have grown tired of your mundane, consumerist “fast life” in Calgary and are ready for an exciting new world, please read on.

I am tired of seeing my money fly into the pockets of bar owners, clubs and big-box restaurants. Give me more than this dreary existence.

Good news for those who want to get the ball rolling. Art does not have to cost anything. In fact, experiencing art is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment there is. What costs money is falling in love with the artwork and taking it home – if it can be taken home. The best place to get started as an art collector or art appreciator is in a magazine shop or a bookstore. Get in there and flip through all of the magazines – Canadian Art, Border Crossings, Art Forum – even the artist’s “how to” magazines. Check out SWERVE magazine – an incredibly accessible events insert distributed through the Calgary Herald – and pick an event to attend every weekend.

If you do not have access to magazines, surf the web to see what is going on in your area. Many museums, public galleries, artist co-ops and even commercial galleries have openings at least once a month. Start attending these openings by yourself or with your partner. Talk to the artists. Get to know the work. What do you like? What do you not like? Do not feel obligated to like work that is not visually pleasing. On the flip side, do not feel obligated to enjoy looking at art which is visually pleasing.

I love looking at art, but I don’t have a lot of money to spend. I wish I could afford that $3,000 painting…

Good news again. Do not start your collection with a monster-sized painting with a huge price tag attached to it. Pick up some smaller work at artist open houses, arts-related festivals, student art show & sales and galleries. At this stage in your eye-opening art experience, stay away from online auction houses such as Ebay and Kijiji if you are looking for truly original artwork. The artists on Daily Painters.com are legitimate, but a lot of others who sell through Ebay are not. Get to know the artist a bit before purchasing artwork from them.

Most galleries offer payment plans if you can not afford the total cost of a piece of artwork (usually $1000 and up). If the work is under $1000, make sure you speak with the gallery to see if they offer an in-store payment plan. As a last resort to those who are strapped for cash – or just really good at saving money – most galleries will also accept major credit cards and debit cards or cheques.

Lastly, do NOT purchase artwork because you think it will be worth more 10 years down the road. Do this if you are SURE about investing in the career of an artist. Purchase the artwork because you… like it. In order to “like” a piece of artwork, it does not mean that the art is lovable by everyone. Perhaps you enjoy dark, abstract colours or macabre themes. The lady next door enjoys picturesque mountain scenes and fields of poppies. That is fine – but it does not mean you should like what she does, and vise-versa. Remember also that not all art can be hung on the wall. You can purchase sculptures, wearable art, jewelery and ceramics; hang your art, wear it, look at it from all angles and remember to love every inch of it.

Related links & Upcoming events:

- Art Central “First Thursdays” - an open-house type event free to the public.
- Calgary Artwalk
- Alberta College of Art + Design Show & Sale
- Portobello West
- Calgary Stampede Western Art Showcase