The Art of “Original Art”…
“Original art is a combination of the process and the artist as well as the final work itself.” Kim Kreis
This is a topic I wanted to discuss in an open manner without really trying to change anyone’s mind. Up front, for some, the thought of paying for original art is something they will not do or they might if they can get the artist to come down alot in price. I totally understand this. If I could get Apple to let me buy a computer at half price I would do that. I also like to wait for a sale if it is possible. But I also will spend the exact amount of money for other things I want more. We all do that and it is understandable! For this blog post I am only discussing reasons why I personally think it is fun or a better option to purchase original art.
Some of these reasons are the way I myself feel about art but others are what I have been told by clients…So here goes!
Many people have told me they “don’t know why they purchased my art”. They then go on to say that something in their heart couldn’t walk away or they came back to one of my pieces. I personally love that. Have you not purchased many of your favorite things, pieces, clothing…what ever it is because you just had to have it and you weren’t sure why but you knew you would never regret it? I believe that original art will resonate with a person’s heart in such a way that you want it on your wall to see it everyday. Whether it goes with your color scheme is really not the point…it spoke to you and you answered and, just as you thought, you have never regretted it…no not once!
Original art has a way of identifying where you were when you purchased it…like capturing or honoring a memory. Often this is a very special vacation. I was in a Charleston gallery visiting recently, when a couple came in and said that every time they come to the area, they bought a piece from a particular artist. They had met the artist personally and was so drawn to him, in this instance, as well as Charleston, that seeing that painting or others in their home brought them much joy. One couple saw my art at The Grand Bohemian Gallery in Mountain Brook when they were here to visit and liked it. A year later they stayed in Alys Beach in the 30A area and another of my pieces was in their bedroom. When they got home they called me to commission a piece. The husband said it had stayed on his mind and he wanted one for his wife and daughter. I am sure that being on a vacation as lovely as Alys influenced him to want keep or replicate that memory by connecting with the artist…and guess what? His story connected with me as well…it blessed me to be a part of their memories.
Original Art has a way of pulling a particular emotion from you. Most of us have some sort of feeling when we look at a painting we like. It could be the restful palette is exactly what you are looking for…a favorite set of colors arranged in a manner that you can’t stop your gazing. The subtleness or neutral hues calm your soul and you feel like you can breathe. Or the palette is so colorful that you are happy…you place it in a spot where you will see it often and be energized or lifted emotionally. You may have seen an original piece when you were at a low point and somehow, felt a little stronger just from looking at it…indeed it is a mystery. Have you ever purchased a dress that was your “go to I feel that I could rule the world or I am lovely” in THIS dress? At other times, the piece could be an encouragement of who you want to be, how you want to feel, what your goals as a person are. I’ve noticed since I began painting that most artists put their story, their purpose, or their faith into their work and if you love/agree with their outlook on life, you want to include it in your own home. Remember when the Nike “Just Do It” slogan came out so long ago? You can’t tell me that hundreds of thousand of kids since then haven’t felt like they could slam dunk because of those Air Jordans as soon as they tied those laces. And we do this ourselves so I know you know the feeling. I have a pair of Ariat boots that make me feel like (this is so embarrassing) I could actually compete in a Hunter Jumper show and “be a contender”! You know what you want when you see it…and it is the same with original art.
People like to connect with a creative they like, admire, enjoy. I know this is true. My business partner with Sweet Pea Designs stationery can testify to the number of times, new friends would want their picture taken with us at market. Believe me this is not bragging, it was just a compliment that they purchased our stationery and liked our story. We were NOT celebrities, they were just women like us and they liked our line so it was fun to have a chance to talk and laugh. I bet some of you have met a designer, shop owner, creative, an author…someone that you had a connection with them and suddenly, their product, inventory, style or art has taken on an entirely new look. I think that there’s a funny kind of bond or loyalty that develops between artists and clients after they become friends and the piece of art remains a connection.
Original art in itself is, well, original! When you purchase original art you will notice that each piece is different. I have been asked to paint a particular painting several times which I am happy to do…because I just can not replicate it exactly. In fact, I have painted a few pieces that I’ve never painted again. I have one client that purchased a piece that I named “Is He Worthy?” by Chris Tomlin. I played his song on Spotify over and over and over without a break while painting. I sold it to a new friend in the Carolinas who was drawn to it because she loved the colors of the sky and the light shining through, because the song/title was a favorite of hers, and because it inspired hope in her during a time of health issues with someone she loves dearly. I was touched so much that I decided I would begin painting many of them over and over. Well, it was certainly original because for some reason, it was the only one. I haven’t been able to do it again. I wish I could, and I will try again…but that piece was for Julia and no one else. It was original.
Another aspect of original art which should be obvious but I think is worth discussing for a moment, is that it is “hand made”. A piece of original art, involves a lot of sketching, a lot of thinking, judging, paint, a lot of breaks, sitting in paint, stepping in it at times, aggravation, exhilaration, washing hands, going out with paint on your face, washing brushes, cleaning paint off the floor, off the walls…well not all artists are messy but I do sling it at times. But seriously, there is a lot that goes in to painting what you purchase. If it is a commission for instance, you know that your piece is a daily work, process, commitment on the part of the artist you have chosen that is just for you and your home. It has a beauty, texture and “presence” that is not present in store bought art or prints. The artist usually receives fabric swatches, photos, stories, emotions of what the client wants. This is so personal and makes it valuable in multiple ways. I sent a piece to Canada to a new friend that I love who could not purchase it immediately because of other expenses. In that case, I held on to the painting until she could purchase it. She had a great appreciation for original art plus we had connected through instagram because we had a lot in common. I really believe that her painting gives her joy partly because she could imagine me painting it, my process, the music…it really was a total package.
Original art for your home is a subjective choice but if you are someone that appreciates the process, the artist story, owning art that sets the mood/emotions for a room/home in a manner completely different from a print or machine “painted” canvas then it is for you. Whether you are able to purchase immediately or save up or start small it sets a different mood, reminds you of special times and people, and you will save it to pass down to those you love. These are thoughts that I think most artists would agree with me…but I share what comes to my mind as to why would you think of buying MY art? If this is something that interests you, I would encourage you visit a local art gallery and ask their director what they think on the subject!
Kim Kreis graduated with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and taught the most delightful fourth graders in a blue collar, farming community outside Dothan, Alabama for 10 years. Following her marriage in 1986, she moved to Birmingham where she began a new career as a stay at home mom and a fine stationery entrepreneur for 25+ years. Once she and her business partner passed on their company, Sweet Pea Designs, the next step became obvious…to be an artist with a purpose…
