Often when money is in short supply and every newspaper is full of bad news stories and comments about recessions and depressions the first thing people do is cut back on what they perceive to be non essentials - the things that give them joy. In fact the opposite is true - the things that give us joy give us the sustenance and courage to get through the tough times. Beleive me I know...if I didn't beleive in the expansive, healing power of art I wouldn't be sharing the list below with you. I'm talking from experience - both mine and others!

Here are 8 powerful reasons why people should buy art during a recession:

1.) It could be a great investment - good art appreciates over time like a fine wine. Diversify your investment portfolio and minimise the impact of the downturn in traditional investments like the housing market or share market

2) Gorgeous, joyful pieces of art can be uplifting and sustain you during troubled times and your darkest hours. Great art makes you feel better ever time you look at it. As Paul Klee said, "One eye sees and the other feels."

Even Henri Matisse, who was down to his last penny knew what a positive investment art was. Above all he revered the work of Cezanne. He purchased Bathers at a time when he had to make real sacrifices to raise cash. He never regretted it, and said of the painting years later: "

it has sustained me spiritually in the critical moments of my career as an artist; I have drawn from it my faith and perserverance

. " Wow! Powerful stuff. Here is bit more info re this

Quote:
After being steered towards it by Camille Pissarro, Henri Matisse bought this painting from Ambroise Vollard who, in turn, had acquired it directly from Paul Cézanne. Matisse could ill afford to spend money on other artists' work at the time, but was so moved by this piece that he signed a promissory note to Vollard for 1,200 francs in December of 1899. He paid this debt off in installments.

Over the years, Three Bathers remained an immense inspiration and affirmation to Matisse. When he donated it to the Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris in 1936, he wrote this in a letter to art curator and author Raymond Escholier (1882-1971) on November 10 of that same year:
"In the thirty-seven years I have owned this canvas, I have come to know it quite well, though not entirely, I hope; it has sustained me morally in the critical moments of my venture as an artist; I have drawn from it my faith and my perseverance; for this reason, allow me to request that it be placed so that it may be seen to its best advantage...I know that I do not have to tell you this, but nevertheless think it is my duty to tell you so; please accept these remarks as the excusable testimony of my admiration for this work which has grown increasingly greater ever since I have owned it."

3.) Great art lasts. Unlike other ways people spend their money to feel better - like an expensive dinner out, new clothes or an expensive holiday, a great piece of art, which may have been expensive initially, stands the test of time and keeps on "giving"

4.) Paintings and other creative works instantly put more colour in your life. They are a cost effective way to change the decor and atmosphere and personality of your home.

5) Great art boosts other areas of your life and can give you "more bang for your buck". People selling their properties often employ house staging companies to give their home a quick image update - often one of the key things these people add are pieces of art that show off the home to best advantage

6.) Buying a piece of art can help motivate you to achieve your goals.

Every time I look at Max Gimblett's painting "Choice" I am reminded to make fantastic, life affirming choices. I'm also motivated to get out and earn more money so I can pay for it!

7) Buying art supports artists and supports the economy. Countries like China actively promote the importance of art because they know how much income creativity and culture generates

8) Visual art is a powerful communication tool. Just look at what "Choice" says to me. Why read a hundred page book on achieving goals or motivation theory when this painting says more than a thousand words!

ohhhh I have just thought of two more:

9) Buying a painting can help memories of a visit to a beloved place last longer! (This probably goes part way to explaining why landscapes and scenes of Venice, Tuscany and Provence etc are so popular).

Here is a painting I inherited this year by CN Worsley...very sentimental (not to mention now v. valuable). It was brought by my paternal grandfather Henry Gaisford while he was visiting Italy over a hundred years ago! It was going to be gifted to The Auckland Art Gallery but on the back of the painting they found in my aunt's writing "for Cassandra...purchased in Italy by her grandfather in 1908." Lucky me!

oh so now I have next point

10) Buying art leaves your heARTprint for future generations....how fabulous to be able to leave such an enduring piece of the things that inspired you.


Come along to our Joy'ance exhibition and see what art can do for you and the ones you love!

Labels: Exhibitions and competitions