First off, before you think this post can’t possibly be for you, ANYONE can start an art collection. Art is a reflection of our personal style, our history, our adventures and our lives. I have framed fabric scraps that I value as a part of my “Collection” equal to multi-thousand dollar original paintings. If it speaks to you, If it makes you happy, if you would enjoy walking past it every day in your home, it is art. The end.
Instagram is an incredible tool for discovering new artists. Using hashtags you can easily hone in on an artist working in your favorite childhood vacation locale, painting landscapes that remind you of long-ago carefree summers. Many places, including my home of Martha’s Vineyard, feature entire instagram accounts focused solely on spotlighting local artists. Once you find one or two, it becomes easy to learn a little more about what styles you like, and to find more artists whose work speaks to you.
If you really love an artists’ work, you can usually find something that fits your budget. I personally offer payment plans, and prints are always a less expensive option. While I love to purchase original art, if it is special to YOU that is all that really matters. Even if you think you can’t afford it, it is always worth reaching out and inquiring. If someone really loves my work, that is incredibly flattering and I will ALWAYS work with them to get my art into their home.
If your budget is less than zero, you can still start an art collection. I have framed pieces of old t-shirts and even the rainbow heart patches that came on the elbows of an old cashmere sweater that had seen better days. It was special to me so I recycled the sweater but made the elbows into art.
Another fun hack is to buy acrylic display boxes at your local Michael’s or The Container Store. This allows you to turn any old item into an art display.
If you are into lettering and inspirational quotes, Etsy Marketplace is a fantastic source, where you can search for specific items and I always find a large selection. Or just get out your fingerpaints and make something yourself. I have a picture on my latest vision board of a large painting a designer made for himself, with a quote his grandfather used to say to him as a child. It is crude and colorful but no one would suspect it wasn’t actually a high-end piece of art. (That said—the goal here is not to imitate high-end art, only to fill your home with meaningful items that you truly love!) Truly though, I think he may have written it with a sharpie. High end does not always mean fancy.
Lastly, put your kids to work! Do not feel bad if you don’t frame everything your child makes. I have made it the norm in my house to chop their artwork up into something I actually want on my wall. I often will take a painting and cut a certain square out that alone makes them look like artistic geniuses, when the entire painting just looked like what it was—a 4 year old’s crazy painting. They are accustomed to this and totally pleased with themselves if a square cutout of their work makes it into a framed collage.
I lost count and think I might be past 5 suggestions at this point, but here is one more—how many old ukuleles do you have sitting around?! Paint one and slap it up on the wall! In memory of your 10-year-olds failed attempts at music. Or, ahem, your own. If you don’t feel especially “artistic” try taping around the sides with painters tape, covering it in white paint (you’ll have to take the strings off first but trust me it’s worth it), and then using a sharpie to draw black stripes down it. I did this once when a friend requested it and it came out great! You can use tape to get straight lines but I think free form—intentionally slightly uneven lines—look even better.
Think outside of the box (or the frame!) and you will find many ways to fill your walls with meaningful work. There is still something special about the feeling of purchasing your first original painting. Some artwork will just speak to you, and if it does, I encourage you to listen.