Peter Johnson is a long-time art collector who created the online photography gallery Captured Global (capturedglobal.com). For beginning to emerging collectors, Captured Global sells intelligent, culturally relevant, collectible work by acclaimed photographers.
+30__x40__+$500.jpeg) |
| Captured Global: Michael Hall, Untitled, 30 x 40 in. |
In another post ("A Fresh Take on Buying Art Photography"), Johnson explains why he is challenging the multiple size, multiple price, multiple edition model used by other sellers of fine photography. Primarily, it's because he believes that art is about the expression of ideas, not a component in an investment portfolio.“We believe that true value is created by the singular power of the piece and what it means to you.”
Below are some details about his background as a collector and advice for beginning collectors.
What type of art do you collect?
PJ: We have quite an eclectic collection - from the Taos Modernists to graffiti artists - works on paper, paintings, photography and sculpture
Do you remember the first piece of original art you bought?
PJ: I do - Evangelina by R.C. Gorman - which we still have.
How has art collecting changed over the past 30 years? Over the past 10 years?
PJ: Collecting is an entirely personal experience. Whether you're buying direct from the artist, through a gallery, or online, you should approach the process with the same level of passion. Buy what you like, trust your instincts, and love what you own every day.
The Internet has changed the game, making great art more accessible to more and more collectors who are placing their trust in online galleries and the secure purchase process.
How do you envision art collecting changing over the next five years?
PJ: Art is becoming more integrated with an interconnected world.
Interest in photography will continue to be high because it is the only art form created by millions of people every day. All around the world, people are capturing, manipulating and sharing images instantaneously. Now that everyone is a photographer, our job is to advance the art of collecting by sharing the work of our artists in ways that are fresh, exciting and culturally relevant.
While Captured Global is an online experience, so to is our commitment to bringing the Captured Live! experience to cities around the world, propelling the art of photography in a connected world. We will be integrating technology as a complement to viewing original photographs in person.
As the world becomes more dependent on connectivity, we never want to lose site of the innate value of the printed image.
Is there a point at which new collectors should stop collecting for fun and be more deliberate in acquiring works that might increase in value?
PJ: Collecting should always be fun. It's an exciting, personal and very rewarding journey. But I don't think one becomes more deliberate, rather more informed.
The more you develop an eye for great work, the more sophisticated your collection becomes. Over time, the work you collect will naturally evolve to include more "important" work that may see stronger appreciation over time. But the personal value of collecting should not be confused with the potential monetary value of collecting.
Other than "buy what you love," what other piece of advice would you give to someone looking to buy his or her first piece of original art?
PJ: Ask questions. Get to know the medium in which you're interested. Visit galleries and bookstores, make studio visits and talk to artists and collectors. Across all creative arts, a fine line exists between good and great —decorative and collectible if you will. You want to develop an eye for defining that line.
What is the biggest mistake novice collectors make when starting a collection?
PJ: Buying "decorative" work or approaching the process from a "by size," "by price," "by color," "by theme," or any other "by" prompt.
You're not shopping, you're collecting! When you find something you that resonates with you and you can work it into your budget, then buy it.
If you're going to collect, collect with conviction. Take it seriously and enjoy the process.
LINK
Captured Global
RELATED POST
A Fresh Take on Buying Art Photography
