Displaying artwork is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to reflect your personal style and create an inviting atmosphere. Clarendon Fine Art is passionate about supporting clients in this process and, to celebrate its upcoming launch with internationally acclaimed artist Craig Alan, sat down with Westport Gallery Manager Eve Gianni.
Clarendon Fine Art: Tell us about your role at Clarendon and what a typical day looks like?
Eve Gianni: I began my journey with Clarendon Fine Art, one of the world’s leading galleries with a diverse portfolio of over 180 international artists, in February 2023. As the Gallery Manager of our U.S. flagship in Westport, launching and establishing this new gallery has been an exciting endeavor!
My role is multifaceted and continues to evolve. I’m involved in curating artwork to suit the preferences of our clientele and collaborating with our marketing and shipping teams to ensure a seamless gallery experience. A key aspect of my job is building relationships with both new and seasoned collectors. I take great pleasure in introducing them to contemporary artists and blue-chip secondary market works, showcasing iconic pieces that infuse their spaces with energy, color, and movement.
CFA: How did you get into the art industry?
EG: Visual art has been a constant throughout my life. I studied art in Florence, Italy, which deeply influenced my appreciation for the arts. My professional journey began in my family’s fashion company, but my career pivot came in 2004 when I entered the interior design industry, where my focus increasingly shifted to art. During this period, I also started cultivating my personal art collection.
After relocating to East Hampton, NY, I launched a design and art advisory business. This led me to a role as the Director of a prominent gallery in the Hamptons. In 2019, I moved to Connecticut and again pursued my own business. However, the pandemic reignited my desire to return to the vibrant and collaborative world of gallery life. I consider myself fortunate to have been introduced to Clarendon Fine Art. Founded and led by the dynamic Helen Swaby, the gallery boasts a diverse and high-quality portfolio. I am thrilled to be part of such an exceptional team.
CFA: Clarendon’s first U.S. gallery, its flagship in Westport, opened last year. What has the reaction been like?
EG: Overwhelmingly positive. Westport has warmly embraced our new gallery, locals and visitors alike.
We’ve seen a diverse range of visitors, from young families purchasing art for the first time to seasoned collectors seeking specific pieces or artists. To integrate into the community, we’ve hosted a variety of events, including partnerships with non-profit organizations and art and design activities for adults and children. We hope everyone who has visited our gallery continues to share their positive experiences.
CFA: What type of services does Clarendon Fine Art offer to clients?
EG: Our primary goal is to help you find the perfect artwork for your space, whilst ensuring that the experience of purchasing art is inspiring and fun! We differentiate ourselves from other galleries through our personalized and comprehensive consultation process. We strive to create a welcoming environment, with a variety of styles and price points.
Additionally, our consultation process may include presentations that are designed to facilitate discussions between couples, interior designers, art advisors or whomever the decision-makers are. We offer the option to bring artwork into your home or office to see the piece in situ, ensuring that the pieces you choose are the perfect fit. This approach provides confidence and peace of mind, knowing that your selected artwork enhances your space exactly as envisioned.
Engagement is important, so we host events, exhibitions, and art talks that allow clients to connect directly with the art and the artists behind it.
CFA: Looking at the current art scene in Westport, which artists have been most popular among clients?
EG: The street art style of Mr. Brainwash has been popular, and contemporary artists such as Dan Pearce and Craig Alan (who will have a solo show with us on November 22nd), have captured the interest of our collectors.
Realist painters like Christian Hook, Marco Grassi, Dave White, and Christopher Green have similarly attracted attention. Our clients have shown enthusiasm for contemporary French artist Patrick Rubinstein, known for his lenticular art, and Israeli artists Marcus Botbol and David Gerstein, who create striking 3-D metal wall sculptures.
CFA: What art styles do you predict will be popular in the coming months?
What truly resonates with me are pieces where an artist's distinct voice and style shine through, creating a powerful human connection.
I anticipate that street art will remain prominent, engaging a broad audience with its dynamic and provocative nature. Art that combines traditional techniques with modern innovations, emphasizes sustainability, and reflects diverse cultural perspectives will also capture increasing interest.
CFA: What are your top tips for someone purchasing their first piece of artwork?
EG: My most important advice is to trust your instincts and don’t overthink it. Many first-time collectors feel nervous about making that initial purchase, but if a piece resonates with you, go for it! Don’t worry too much about how it will fit with your décor or how it will look with other pieces. What’s crucial is that the artwork speaks to you and evokes an emotional response.
Remember, art will evolve with you. Art has a unique ability to transform and adapt as your space and tastes change. You can always move pieces around, add new ones, change frames, or even repaint a room, which can completely alter the way a piece looks.
Ultimately, art is about personal connection and enjoyment, so don’t hesitate to make a purchase that excites you. Your collection will grow and evolve, reflecting how you see the world.
Clarendon Fine Art hosts an exclusive event with internationally acclaimed artist Craig Alan, on Friday, November 22nd from 6 to 8 p.m. Craig Alan's art blends artistic vision, technical expertise, creativity, and wit. His paintings —crafted using dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of intricately painted exquisite figures—capture the essence of famous faces, iconic landmarks, abstract concepts, and tributes to art history. For further information visit clarendonfineart.com