ART | the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
Collecting art has been a life-long passion for Bari Walcott-Arias. Her home is full of countless enchanting pieces that would overshadow many galleries and museums. Bari was very gracious in opening her home to view her collection and provide some inspiration and insight into collecting art.
Bari has collected pieces since she was a child. She doesn't seek art. The pieces find her. They might be articles from long ago or newly crafted. She sees art everywhere and allows her insight to be drawn in without a reservation. Her collection has grown from the likes of galleries, street fairs, antique shops, and her collection comes from all over the globe.
Many people think of buying art as an investment. While it is something to strive towards, new buyers must understand that there are no guarantees for investing in art. If a return on art investment is your primary driver for collecting art, you will have to look at already established artists, which means you will need to be willing to invest more dollars.
Bari loves textures, colors, mixed mediums, and she gravitates to folk art, religious element, and pieces that offer satire to the everyday. She is an expert on her collection, and like a museum docent, she can teach you about each piece. Collecting is an opportunity to learn about the various artworks, artists, mediums, and styles. Take opportunities to frequent museums and galleries; you will learn to appreciate the difference between various techniques, mediums, and styles used by different artists. Most importantly, you will more clearly start to recognize the types of art you love and want.
Pulling pieces together for display is an artistic expression in itself. Vary sizes of pieces when grouping them. Is the work meant to be interacted with, or should it be protected due to its nature or value? Collecting is about quality and not quantity. In Bari's house, each room seems to have a unique personality telling its story with each color and texture. Art is on walls, on stacked books, in nooks, and it's hard to imagine pieces would work anywhere else because each sits so perfectly just where Bari nestled it.
Fall in love with pieces that invite curiosity and evoke emotion, and then bring them together to curate an experience you'll enjoy sharing with others. Above else, collect with your heart.