I get it, it’s not the right time to buy art. Really — there is so much else to buy, like electricity bills, groceries, or that holiday you’ve been saving up for.
But when it comes to buying original art, the wrong time might actually be the perfect time, and here’s why.
Art speaks to the soul, and the soul needs care and nourishment during the harder moments in life. When life is taking unexpected turns, art can provide comfort, peace, and inspiration.
It is with the eyes of grief that the soul sometimes sees the most clearly, what really matters. And what makes sense on our worst days, is what speaks to the soul.
I’ve sure lived this. When my sister passed away, I had no attention span to read for one year — and for one full year, I only read poetry. Poetry did not make sense to me, until she passed away.
Some of the people who have spoken to me, who’ve been impacted by artwork, were experiencing complex grief. One grew up in a war zone, and lives every day with PTSD. Some have lived with the loss of a spouse or a sibling.
When everything is upside down, art makes the most sense. You may be there right now, experiencing something really unexpected. You might be trying to numb the most unimaginable feelings even just while reading this post. Can I encourage you? Look at art. Take this time to find out what fills your cup. Feast your eyes. Nourish your soul. Art doesn’t let you numb your feelings — it helps you understand them.
It might not be visual art — you might want to pick up a poetry book, or check out what theatre productions are happening near you. Have you ever been to the symphony? Now might be the best time to give yourself the gift to experience a new art form.
But, maybe visual art is something to check out, if you’ve never taken the time to simply just browse the incredible array of talent that is out there in the world, here is a place to start— check out these artists on Saatchi. That’s what I do sometimes. You can use the search tool to look up themes and colours that light you up.
Has an impulse buy ever changed your life?
I once bought an original artwork while laying on the couch, during the pandemic, when I didn’t have stable hours at work. I was browsing the website of the artist Sarah Delaney. She spoke of life as a non linear series of lines — and her connection between meaning, moving through time, and the linear composition of the artwork spoke so deeply to me, I bought the work, then and there. I never once regretted this decision. The work symbolizes that tough season of overlapping griefs, and every time I look at it —which is often — it reminds me of what it means to move forward, when it feels like I am walking in circles.
I find that many people who stop at art fairs to take in my work have a wistful look on their face. They are interested in buying an original work, but something is stopping them. Probably, that something is valid.
Life is expensive.
And that’s why I’m not here to tell you to spend money you don’t have.
I try not to do that too.
I would however, encourage you to think about your life, and the things you own. What in your home, do you love? What, as Marie Kondo would put it, sparks joy?
Original art can encourage you to follow your dreams. It can symbolize a family value. It can take you back to a beloved spot. It can remind you of what lights you up.
Original art can give you a sense that you are connected to a greater movement, as original artwork from serious artists can gain value over time. But financial value is just one small part of its value.
If the work inspires and encourages you, I’ll stop playing the role of the artist here, and I’ll be your bestie instead, just for the moment. I want to say this loud and clear — you are worth the price. Your home is worth being a space that is comforting and inspiring for you, with an original painting hanging on the wall.
It’s not that the work is expensive — it’s that you are worth the price.
If you absolutely love original art and really wish you could purchase a piece, but feel conflicted because you are on a budget, here are some tips. They might not be appropriate for every artist, but they are worth a try.
Ask the artist about a payment plan (yes, I do have that! :))
Let the artist know your budget, and ask about archival, or smaller works (older works that are not currently part of the artist’s feature collections)
Consider suggesting a trade. What skill might you have that the artist could benefit from? Artists tend to think outside the box. A fair trade of labour, or another handmade product, might be something we’d be up for.
Start saving — make an intention that in a certain timeframe, you want to buy an original artwork. Is it three years from now? Five years from now? Is it for a milestone birthday that is a few years away? Consider how much money you’d have to put away each month, and do it. Once again, you are worth it! After this, make a payment plan with yourself, and stick to it. You might even consider asking your favourite artist for a commission, after all the time and energy you put into saving up.
If you have a supportive community, consider asking for original art as a group gift for an important celebration.
Maybe you are at the end of this blog, and you still wish you could tell me that you don’t get art. You don’t get why original art is generally more expensive than you think it should be.
For one thing, you are right, you don’t get art — because to “get” something requires thinking.
You feel art.
We “get” art the most when we don’t get life.
When life makes no sense, art makes sense.
The value we put on what inspires us, and speaks to our soul, that’s really subjective. So is the price of art. The art that takes several months of layering to make, not to mention the materials, is worth the cost. Not only is it the hours of work that went into the painting, but hours, and hours of practice to get to that point to make the work. Finally, the work’s original quality, the fact that there is only one of it in the world, adds to its value. In a world of things made for the masses, it is really special to know something you have is the only one of its kind.
So, when it’s not the right time —
—when it feels like everything is going wrong, and life is upside down, think about art as a possible way — not as a shortcut to sidestep the wild path that life has handed you — but as a way to see the world differently, while walking in circles.
When life doesn’t make sense, art makes sense.
And honestly? People do far worse things with finances during these times.
Art is an acknowledgement of our inner, emotional landscape. And during the hardest times, it’s a beautiful thing to honour them.