In the quest for optimal energy in the spaces we occupy, art is an extremely powerful tool. Depending on the medium, the artist, and the work itself, each piece embodies dramatically different energy—energy that can be built upon. My husband and I are avid collectors, with fifteen pieces of fine art in our collection. We tend to gravitate toward pieces that are contemporary and eclectic, however, having traveled the world and lived in several different countries, a piece with a rich cultural background will always speak to us.
Although my husband and I have well-defined parameters for the pieces we purchase, not everyone comes to the table with this much clarity. For this reason and more, starting a collection can be daunting—so daunting, in fact, many will never do it. This is where the magic of VELVENOIR comes into focus.
Founded in Salzburg, Austria by Alexandra Schafer, the global company works to bridge the gap between artists and collectors, providing a smooth, risk-free experience for all. VELVENOIR’s non-traditional approach is perfect for a novice who is looking to start an impressive, unique collection. The firm places emphasis on operating internationally, but at the local level, with experts on the ground in key locations. This guarantees great visibility for high-end artists who operate in smaller cities and towns.
Recently, taking things a step further, the firm launched Blue Chip Brokerage, allowing collectors access to in-demand artists including Warhol, Picasso, and Fontana, along with new, exclusive, innovative creators. VELVENOIR’s strict protocols can almost guarantee successful outcomes for clients. And, of course, their simple tagline, “When you invest in art, you invest in yourself,” encompasses the holistic approach we so closely align with. Alexandra’s harnessing of this complicated process adds much-needed accessibility to the world of fine art. This makes her the perfect person to tap for a discussion about building a collection from the ground up.
Here, in a brief Q&A with Laurence Carr Design, Alexandra sheds light on the basic concepts of art collecting for the novice.
LCD: Where should a novice start when purchasing fine art?
AS: First you should start visiting some local art galleries and art fairs, to establish your taste and art desires. check out international art fairs online or even through Instagram to explore more art. Once you know what you like and love, find out where to buy it from either through an art gallery who represents the artist exclusively, an art consultant because you would like to have a person by your side who understands you and works in your best interest or in the artist studio. It all really depends who you are but there are many options to explore especially these days.
LCD: What should one look for when they are really ready to begin the shopping process?
AS: Again, art is very personal what I believe is worth investing in, might not resonate with some of your readers. Therefore, follow your instincts, your feeling when you look at an artwork and decide whether or not you are ok with the price tag coming with it. Research the artist, follow him / her, explore the story of the artwork behind and the career of the artist. Those are all factors that fall into place when buying an artwork.
LCD: How can one identify high-quality pieces?
AS: The more art you explore the more you will see the difference about the quality of the artwork. Take a closer look at the artwork, how is it framed, how is the canvas stretched, the material applied etc. When we speak about a more valuable artwork from a well-established artist the vita plays a key role here, have a look through it and see where the artist has shown his / her works, how many solo shows, international fairs etc have his art been shown, did he / she win awards for her art ?
LCD: How can the novice make these purchases wisely?
AS: research, online and offline—again attend art fairs and galleries and perhaps really consider working with an art consultant if you are not sure or don’t want to get too much involved in the transaction as well as transportation part.
LCD: Is there anything else we should keep in mind?
AS: Art plays a huge part within today’s society. For us, at VELVENOIR and for our clients (which never collected or bought art beforehand), it defines the story we start working on. An artwork is unique, something special, a masterpiece of an artist who dedicated his life to this profession, building his career within the art market as well as using various techniques, to make each piece, one of a kind. For me working closely with my client it’s all about introducing talented artists and their artwork to clients who are looking for something personal, special to have at home.
LCD: Lastly, can you tell me what your working relationship with clients looks like?
AS: When working with a private client, it is a very personal experience for me and the client. For me, it’s important to act solely on the interest of my client and source the perfect artwork, desired by my client as discussed in our meetings. Sometimes, when I speak with aspiring collectors, I show them artworks, we have curated in our database to discuss the direction or visit local galleries and show the client what type of art he/she truly wants to go for. Once the art direction is confirmed it is a lot of going back and forth and working very closely with my client, to source and acquire the desired artwork with the allocated art budget in mind. This process can be done within 2 weeks or a couple of months, depending on the client and the request. After finding the perfect artwork, we then arrange the transportation and art handlers to install art on site, professionally for the client. I guess, what really matters, in today’s world is the personal approach and really being able to understand your client as well as collaborating with other experts to help you find the perfect artwork – it is after all a win-win situation with a happy client and that is what matters most.
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