Advisory
"The collector doesn’t choose the work, the work chooses the collector." —K.B. Stowe
Advisory Perspective
What does it mean to be an art collector? What is the difference between buying and collecting? And where does one begin?
Collecting art is more than just acquiring pretty things: it’s a yearning to support the arts, to be a part of art history, to tell a story through a grouping of works that reacts to and expands upon a specific historical moment and its associated aesthetic ideas and developments. The challenge becomes one of navigation, which is where I come in.
As an art advisor, my role is to educate, guide, and assist my clients in shaping important collections of iconic, leading-edge contemporary art. I combine scholarly knowledge, unbiased opinion, financial prowess, and a full range of necessary services to provide a customized curatorial vision and strategy. Together, we will create a collection of contemporary art that bridges various periods and is anchored by significant works that epitomize the ideologies of their time. It’s a bespoke and holistic process that adapts to the needs of each collector, ranging from first time buyers who want a new piece for their home to established collectors building foundations.
Some collectors concentrate on a period, an artist, an idea or a particular media. For example, one collection I helped build began with the collector’s interest in woman artists and portraiture. We started acquiring works by contemporary artists such as Katy Grannan and Wangechi Mutu and now are contextualizing these with art historical precedents like Diane Arbus and Kara Walker. The collection grows outward from its original inspiration so that each artwork informs the other, creating a dialogue between the subject and the viewer.
This process is flexible – it is customized to meet the needs of each client. This said, my advisory work typically falls under six specific categories:
1 — Exploration of Goals
What initially sparked your interest in collecting? Where did you have your first truly exciting experience with art? What is your budget this year, and over the course of the next five years? We’ll start by evaluating these questions together, then develop an integrated plan, all while allowing room for discovery and flexibility as we go.
2 — Education
From Hong Kong to Mumbai, Dubai to Luxembourg, I spend more than half my year on the road and in the air. This global outlook informs my philosophy about art: you need to see art—a lot of art—to understand art. With our objectives defined, we’ll set out to see art, paying keen attention to your likes and dislikes, your tastes and inspirations.
3 — Market Analysis
Like any sector, the art world has its ups and downs; it’s a nuanced economy full of particularities. I bring researched and level-headed opinions–with equal parts pragmatism and creativity–in order to identify value and opportunity, and manage risk.
4 — Acquisition Management
Once we’ve identified artworks you’re interested in, I help establish relationships with artists, galleries, and institutions in order to broker the sale and grow your collection over time.
5 — Installation
How do you hang a framed and fragile drawing? What are best practices for installing sculptures, in particular in regards to sunlight exposure? I bring a wealth of expertise and professional experience, ensuring your art is installed properly from the moment it is purchased.
6 — Collection Management
From temperature-regulated storage to rotation schedules for your home, I assist in the collection’s management in order to keep the art safe and your experience easy and fulfilling.