Collecting is not shopping. When we collect, we invest in something larger than the object at hand. We invest in the artist. We invest in culture. We invest in ourselves. When shopping, both the consumer and vendor hope to receive immediate gratification. Once register and wallet have closed, the interaction is presumably complete until the next purchase. Collecting, however, is an ongoing event that requires continued involvement of the artist, collector and dealer.
Dealers represent artists with the intention of fostering and growing their careers. The manner and level of engagement in which this is done is as varied as one can imagine. Some provide living stipends and pay for artists’ supplies, others prefer to oversee many aspects from the conception to creation of a work while their counterparts may be contented orchestrating the business logistics of ensuring the proper exhibition venue, securing focused exposure, and placing works in public institutions and private collections. The best dealers possess all and more of these characteristics.
Quite often a dealer will mention that she or he has tried a hand at being an artist, soon to find that it wasn’t the best use of skill or vision. What stems from this exposure to art making is not only a respect for the artists they now represent, but an empathy for their pursuit. They want to nurture the artist, to build a relationship that gives him or her the conditions necessary to make great art. There’s a certain honesty here, and as a collector it is important to tap into this foundational energy.
Beyond authenticity, the dealer’s and yours, there are other fine points to investigate when choosing a dealer. Assuming that you’ve come across or been brought to a gallery that shows an artist’s work that appeals on a cursory level, you’ll want to know the gallery’s mission and what other artists are in his or her program. Websites will often have an “about” or “mission” tab in addition to an “artists” link. Don’t fret if the information seems to overwhelm or you are unable to draw a conclusion. It takes time to adjust to how art and the market for it are discussed. It takes time to decipher what you’re seeing and hearing and why it matters to you. Trust that it takes years of visiting galleries, speaking to dealers and reading about art to even scratch the surface. Of what you are seeking. That’s why collecting is a continuous event. Place yourself thoughtfully and you will be dealt a lasting relationship.
