Productive Art Conversations
by Mark Kever
Early in my collecting years I had numerous conversations with peer collectors and art professionals. These conversations tended to be interesting but ended with very little "take-aways". Like many, I want to improve my collection and grow personally in my knowledge as a collector. I have found over time being intentional and focused with my conversation and questions surrounding art can be extremely productive.
Let's explore my interpretation of an "unproductive art conversation":
1. Asking a dealer what they think of a painting they have for sale. We have a number of knowledgeable dealers in Texas Art, however, asking any one of them to opine on a painting they are obligated to sell is a poor choice.
Alternatively, consider asking:
How does this painting compare to the entire body of work by this artist?
Would this piece improve my collection?
Are there any condition concerns surrounding this painting?
The conversation might take the same amount of time, but you, the collector - and potential buyer of the work - have gained specific and factual information.
2. Asking a fellow collector what they think of a painting after it was purchased. If I do my homework and make a sound purchase, why would I ask a peer what they think of my new purchase? We all know the question puts the friend on the spot and the feedback is not usually objective.
3. Asking generic questions when true art professionals - whether advanced collectors, knowledgeable dealers or museum curators - view your collection. It is easy to have a high-level discussion which doesn’t yield any real insights which can help you as a collector.
Recently I was fortunate to have two museum curators view my collection. One had a long history with Texas Art, the other, although very experienced in American Art, was somewhat new to Texas Art.
Both curators were, of course, courteous, polite, and descriptive through the course of their viewing. It was incumbent on me to make the most out of their time with my collection. Shame on me if I don't gain insight from true art connoisseurs!
Productive questions I directed to these experts:
What painting in this room is your favorite and why?
What painting in this room should be sold to improve my collection?
Do you see any pieces in the collection that are not framed properly?
What one or two major points might you offer to help me improve my collection?
Once they knew the door was open to offer intellectually honest advice, the curators responded enthusiastically and objectively.
Many art conversations end with the epitaph: "You have a wonderful collection". While this may be true, as a collector, conversations can be so much richer and productive with just a little proactive focus.