How to Collect Calligraphy Art
People collect art for various reasons. Some for investment, and others for pleasure.
Calligraphy art can be collected for its historicity (e.g. pieces written by well-known penmen of ages past). Those originals, however, are rare and can be costly. Thankfully, present-day calligraphers of have continued to produce wonderful works that are well-worth purchasing! You can collect calligraphy by scripts and styles or by calligraphers. Or you can simply collect the work because you appreciate it. Most importantly…
Buy the piece that speaks to you
Having a personal connection with a piece is important. Perhaps you love the story behind it, or you enjoy the sentiment it expresses. Maybe you appreciate the aesthetics or concept behind a piece of work. Or you respect and enjoy the works of the artist and wish to own something of his or hers. These are good reasons to buy art.
Don’t worry about the investment value or fear making a mistake. If you love it, and feel that you can live with it forever, buy it. Once you own it, it will become part of your story.
Buy the piece to enjoy it
Unlike buying an expensive pair of shoes which eventually wears out and has to be thrown away, you can enjoy art immediately and forever! Art on display has the potential to change the atmosphere in a positive way. If you collect art simply because you want to look at something uplifting every day, it doesn’t matter if the artist is a “big name” or if it is a special edition. Art is art, and beauty is simply beauty. Buy something you know you will enjoy.
How to get started
Do some research. Look. Visit exhibitions, openings or art fairs. Follow artists on Instagram. As you do, you will find you like certain things better than others. Go with your instincts and your tastes.
Find out more about the artist, whether the work occurs in a series, the origins of the work, what the installation process will be, how it can or should be framed, and the price.
Take the plunge
After all the research, you will just have to purchase the piece. An added consideration — when you purchase an original artwork, you support the artist, encouraging him or her to continue producing good works. Life is short! Buy the art. :)
