Comments on: Is buying art financially savvy? Heck no. http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/ Daily tips for savvy spenders who wants to save money on everyday purchases without drastically reducing their lifestyle. Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:41:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Donna Freedman http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7701 Donna Freedman Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:26:41 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7701 If you can't afford it, don't buy it -- and that goes for cars, furniture, clothes, etc. It would be foolish to go into debt for anything like that. But if you can afford it, please consider supporting the arts, both visual and performing. I believe that the arts are essential to our lives. They stir us to see things differently. They incite conversation and, yeah, arguments. If we're lucky, they unlock our own imaginations. We *could* entertain ourselves solely with free CDs, DVDs and books from the library, and free TV online. We *could* decorate our homes with pages torn from magazines and plastic gewgaws from big box stores. But I sure hope we won't. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it — and that goes for cars, furniture, clothes, etc. It would be foolish to go into debt for anything like that.
But if you can afford it, please consider supporting the arts, both visual and performing. I believe that the arts are essential to our lives. They stir us to see things differently. They incite conversation and, yeah, arguments. If we’re lucky, they unlock our own imaginations.
We *could* entertain ourselves solely with free CDs, DVDs and books from the library, and free TV online. We *could* decorate our homes with pages torn from magazines and plastic gewgaws from big box stores.
But I sure hope we won’t.

]]> By: Chuck http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7508 Chuck Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:45:24 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7508 We buy original art for several reasons - it looks so much better than prints, it is worth every penny to get real pastels, oils, etc., we enjoy it every day throughout our home. As Diane says - don't live without fine art! We buy original art for several reasons – it looks so much better than prints, it is worth every penny to get real pastels, oils, etc., we enjoy it every day throughout our home.

As Diane says – don’t live without fine art!

]]> By: Diane P. Fischer, Ph.D. http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7416 Diane P. Fischer, Ph.D. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:04:48 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7416 Dear Bargain Babe, Your reader Maggie is on target when she states, “art is something that makes a house a home—something you look at every day.” You seem to understand where she is coming from when you when you consider that living with art has emotional benefits. But it did not make financial sense to you after you did an amortization. The easy solution? Do not buy art you cannot afford. For example, rather than pay the $1,400 you quoted for a painting that would detract from retirement savings, buy that $50 print instead (as long as it is genuine). Better yet, buy an original work on paper, like a watercolor or pastel, done by a local artist, for a few hundred dollars. Above all, make sure you are truly “in love” with the art you buy before you “live” with it. However, there is more to it. Unlike other objects in your home, art has the power to elevate the senses and can be inspirational, even transformative. I have a client who keeps thanking me for helping her acquire art that puts her in a good mood every time she sees it—every day. Sometimes the benefits of living with art outweigh the financial considerations. We all need positive stimuli, especially in these troubling times. Compromise if you must, but do not live without fine art. Diane P. Fischer, Ph.D. President, Fischer Fine Art, LLC Dear Bargain Babe,
Your reader Maggie is on target when she states, “art is something that makes a house a home—something you look at every day.” You seem to understand where she is coming from when you when you consider that living with art has emotional benefits. But it did not make financial sense to you after you did an amortization. The easy solution? Do not buy art you cannot afford. For example, rather than pay the $1,400 you quoted for a painting that would detract from retirement savings, buy that $50 print instead (as long as it is genuine). Better yet, buy an original work on paper, like a watercolor or pastel, done by a local artist, for a few hundred dollars. Above all, make sure you are truly “in love” with the art you buy before you “live” with it.
However, there is more to it. Unlike other objects in your home, art has the power to elevate the senses and can be inspirational, even transformative. I have a client who keeps thanking me for helping her acquire art that puts her in a good mood every time she sees it—every day. Sometimes the benefits of living with art outweigh the financial considerations. We all need positive stimuli, especially in these troubling times. Compromise if you must, but do not live without fine art.
Diane P. Fischer, Ph.D.
President, Fischer Fine Art, LLC

]]> By: Comment of the week: the value of art | Save and Stay Cool http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7413 Comment of the week: the value of art | Save and Stay Cool Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:41:07 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7413 [...] LaStella, a full-time clay artist based in New Jersey, responded to my post about art being an un-savvy investment with this comment. The second paragraph is especially telling. First, thanks so much for beginning [...] [...] LaStella, a full-time clay artist based in New Jersey, responded to my post about art being an un-savvy investment with this comment. The second paragraph is especially telling. First, thanks so much for beginning [...]

]]> By: bargainbabe http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7408 bargainbabe Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:45:57 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7408 Thanks for the tip and sharing the extra info, Melissa. Thanks for the tip and sharing the extra info, Melissa.

]]> By: Andy Schmitt http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7401 Andy Schmitt Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:35:24 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7401 So I read, with interest, your article on the art of sacrifice. What a brilliantly constructed piece. In it you have provided me with a perfect rationalization to stop purchasing The Newark Star Ledger and get all my news and, heck, even your columns for FREE. I don't even have to deal with the cheap, knock-off print option. I realize this might impact the lives of others in a slightly negative fashion but I would donate some of my savings to charity so I felt better. SO lets see how this works out. If I take the $.75/day for the weekday paper and conservatively figure that I buy it 200 days a year, probably a low estimate, it costs $150 a year or $1500 for the 10 year period you favored in the article and even more expensive than the painting. Thanks for that tip. I'll be sure to pass it on to my friends. BTW, it was really nice that you purposely freeloaded wine and cheese at that opening. I'm sure Jean Sanchirico doesn't mind paying for it since frequently the artist is responsible for most if not all the costs of an opening. So I read, with interest, your article on the art of sacrifice.
What a brilliantly constructed piece. In it you have provided me with a perfect rationalization to stop purchasing The Newark Star Ledger and get all my news and, heck, even your columns for FREE. I don’t even have to deal with the cheap, knock-off print option.
I realize this might impact the lives of others in a slightly negative fashion but I would donate some of my savings to charity so I felt better.
SO lets see how this works out. If I take the $.75/day for the weekday paper and conservatively figure that I buy it 200 days a year, probably a low estimate, it costs $150 a year or $1500 for the 10 year period you favored in the article and even more expensive than the painting.
Thanks for that tip. I’ll be sure to pass it on to my friends.
BTW, it was really nice that you purposely freeloaded wine and cheese at that opening. I’m sure Jean Sanchirico doesn’t mind paying for it since frequently the artist is responsible for most if not all the costs of an opening.

]]> By: Linda LaStella http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7400 Linda LaStella Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:36:01 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7400 First, thanks so much for beginning this conversation! As a full-time artist, this is an issue dealt with daily. American society has a very hard time appreciating visual art. In popular media... film, TV...the visual arts are very often demeaned. I believe it is because the visual arts do speak to our spiritual nature, and so call for a degree of quiet and contemplation to appreciate...certainly a perfect element for a true home. I believe "the investment" you are making when purchasing visual art is in YOURSELF..."priceless," as the familiar ad goes...will your spirit be renewed daily by living with that object? Does it really resonate with your own interior beauty? spirit of playfulness? depth? Will its positive energy enhance every gathering of family & friends you have in that space? That, I believe, is what your are paying for when your purchase a piece of art. First, thanks so much for beginning this conversation! As a full-time artist, this is an issue dealt with daily. American society has a very hard time appreciating visual art. In popular media… film, TV…the visual arts are very often demeaned. I believe it is because the visual arts do speak to our spiritual nature, and so call for a degree of quiet and contemplation to appreciate…certainly a perfect element for a true home. I believe “the investment” you are making when purchasing visual art is in YOURSELF…”priceless,” as the familiar ad goes…will your spirit be renewed daily by living with that object? Does it really resonate with your own interior beauty? spirit of playfulness? depth? Will its positive energy enhance every gathering of family & friends you have in that space? That, I believe, is what your are paying for when your purchase a piece of art.

]]> By: Melissa http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7367 Melissa Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:01:39 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7367 Sure, buying art is rarely "financially savvy", but if you're ever going to buy art, either for appreciation or as an investment, now *really* is the time to buy art, according to the experts. Heck, Southeby's and Christie's are having clearance sales for the first time in history! Check out the piece we did for Shoestring back in the winter for our interviews about the state of the fine art world during the recession: http://www.shoestringmag.com/cheap-chic/cheap-chic-benefits-bargains-the-art-giving Sure, buying art is rarely “financially savvy”, but if you’re ever going to buy art, either for appreciation or as an investment, now *really* is the time to buy art, according to the experts. Heck, Southeby’s and Christie’s are having clearance sales for the first time in history! Check out the piece we did for Shoestring back in the winter for our interviews about the state of the fine art world during the recession: http://www.shoestringmag.com/cheap-chic/cheap-chic-benefits-bargains-the-art-giving

]]> By: Jenni Porter http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7362 Jenni Porter Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:15:46 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7362 I love the comments above and wanted to chime in. The most talked about "pieces" of art on my wall were bought: 1. at a sidewalk sale for $200 framed (everyone who comes loves it and wants to know the artist), and 2. painted by a friend, a HUGE madonna and child that was a gift. These 2 oils on canvas make a beautiful statement in my home, and I can stare at them for hours. Art doesn't have to be expensive to be treasured. But it's definitely a "necessity" that inspires musings and deeper thought! I love the comments above and wanted to chime in. The most talked about “pieces” of art on my wall were bought: 1. at a sidewalk sale for $200 framed (everyone who comes loves it and wants to know the artist), and 2. painted by a friend, a HUGE madonna and child that was a gift. These 2 oils on canvas make a beautiful statement in my home, and I can stare at them for hours. Art doesn’t have to be expensive to be treasured. But it’s definitely a “necessity” that inspires musings and deeper thought!

]]> By: Maya http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7352 Maya Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:09:15 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7352 I am an artist and also very thrifty. I have found myself in situations where I see someone's work that I love but due to lack of funds (at this point in my life) I can't afford. While often it means I have to pass up on buying pieces, sometimes I can find something in my price range. Other ways I get an art deal: -If I like another artist's work (that is a friend) I will ask to trade them a piece for some of my work. -I am often willing loan work to a friend to hang on their wall so more people can see my pieces. (I have a lot of work still in boxes or closets) They get free art for a while and maybe someone sees my work and I get a sale. I know a few other artist that will do this with their friends. Final note:I think artists offer the world a wonderful service to society and I am always appreciative of people who see the value in art even if they don't always buy :) I am an artist and also very thrifty. I have found myself in situations where I see someone’s work that I love but due to lack of funds (at this point in my life) I can’t afford. While often it means I have to pass up on buying pieces, sometimes I can find something in my price range.

Other ways I get an art deal:

-If I like another artist’s work (that is a friend) I will ask to trade them a piece for some of my work.

-I am often willing loan work to a friend to hang on their wall so more people can see my pieces. (I have a lot of work still in boxes or closets) They get free art for a while and maybe someone sees my work and I get a sale. I know a few other artist that will do this with their friends.

Final note:I think artists offer the world a wonderful service to society and I am always appreciative of people who see the value in art even if they don’t always buy :)

]]> By: Keera http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7349 Keera Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:23:04 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7349 What is art and what is an investment? As an artist I come to appreciate what I like to make. I also like to go around to fellow artist and see what they love too. Sure, I too like to think of a piece of artist work as a investment, but I am not like those billionaires that could throw money into the air and don't care how much it cost. I have to look at the big picture( no pun there). Do I love this painting or artist so much that I willing to go hungry, not to put gas in my car, or maybe pay my rent late or not at all? Is that painting of a landscape from my distant past worth seeing again?even if I had a wonderful time at that place and time? or could I do something better than that piece and still have a roof over my head and food on the table? Many times when going to places that a artists are selling their pieces, and I like to purchase the work of art I all ways check to see if they have a more than one copy at a lower price. If not, I would ask for their card or any contact informatiton so that when I am ready to purchase I would contact that person and see what they have at a good price. Maybe for investment, or too reminisce. What is art and what is an investment? As an artist I come to appreciate what I like to make. I also like to go around to fellow artist and see what they love too.

Sure, I too like to think of a piece of artist work as a investment, but I am not like those billionaires that could throw money into the air and don’t care how much it cost.

I have to look at the big picture( no pun there). Do I love this painting or artist so much that I willing to go hungry, not to put gas in my car, or maybe pay my rent late or not at all? Is that painting of a landscape from my distant past worth seeing again?even if I had a wonderful time at that place and time? or could I do something better than that piece and still have a roof over my head and food on the table?

Many times when going to places that a artists are selling their pieces, and I like to purchase the work of art I all ways check to see if they have a more than one copy at a lower price. If not, I would ask for their card or any contact informatiton so that when I am ready to purchase I would contact that person and see what they have at a good price. Maybe for investment, or too reminisce.

]]> By: Myke Sobel http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7345 Myke Sobel Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:21:33 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7345 I just happened to be on vacation in the neighborhood when I wandered into an art show. There I purchased an original watercolor from a local artist at a silent auction art sale to benefit a local school. I kept getting drawn back to the piece. I waited until the last minute to enter a bid to keep the price from escalating out of my range. I didn't like the clear acrylic frame so I ended up paying more for a custom frame than for the art. I enjoy the picture every day as I walk through my dining room into my kitchen and it is the perfect size and shape for the area. The piece definitely enhances the quality of my life, which is an important factor. It was definitely worth the money to me. I just happened to be on vacation in the neighborhood when I wandered into an art show. There I purchased an original watercolor from a local artist at a silent auction art sale to benefit a local school. I kept getting drawn back to the piece. I waited until the last minute to enter a bid to keep the price from escalating out of my range.

I didn’t like the clear acrylic frame so I ended up paying more for a custom frame than for the art. I enjoy the picture every day as I walk through my dining room into my kitchen and it is the perfect size and shape for the area.

The piece definitely enhances the quality of my life, which is an important factor. It was definitely worth the money to me.

]]> By: Renee Castelluzzo http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7341 Renee Castelluzzo Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:59:18 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7341 I also love shopping for art and buying art. I just purchased the fourth piece in my collection ... my rule is that I always buy original art and I never spend more than $600 for a painting. I buy art that I love and I always buy from full time, career artists who promote themselves (gallery, shows, online). I'm not buying art for investment ... I buy for enjoyment, but I like knowing that there's a chance someday it'll be worth more than I paid for it. I also love shopping for art and buying art. I just purchased the fourth piece in my collection … my rule is that I always buy original art and I never spend more than $600 for a painting.

I buy art that I love and I always buy from full time, career artists who promote themselves (gallery, shows, online). I’m not buying art for investment … I buy for enjoyment, but I like knowing that there’s a chance someday it’ll be worth more than I paid for it.

]]> By: How One Debtor Resolves Her Credit Card Problems http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7340 How One Debtor Resolves Her Credit Card Problems Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:35:15 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7340 [...] Bargain Babe: Is Buying Art Financially Savvy? Heck No. [...] [...] Bargain Babe: Is Buying Art Financially Savvy? Heck No. [...]

]]> By: Cindy http://www.bargainbabe.com/2009/09/16/is-buying-art-financially-savvy-heck-no/comment-page-1/#comment-7337 Cindy Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:10:23 +0000 http://www.bargainbabe.com/?p=8177#comment-7337 I have found some art pieces I absolutely love but also cannot afford. I've found that framing the things you already love can make some amazing art pieces for your home. My daughter is 20 years old now but I dug out some old pictures she did in grade school and framed them. You can also make collages of things that trigger memories - a piece of a worn out baby blanket, a photo, a souvenir. Really the possibilities are endless. Also if you want to find something that may look more like art take a look for art books at the Goodwill or vintage photos or advertisements and frame a print you like. I went to an amazing yard sale last weekend where they had thousands of vintage prints of ads, articles, magazine covers and art for only $1 each. Wish I could have looked through them all! You would also be surprised how nicely some things may print from the internet if you have a good printer. Remember copyright issues though! I have found some art pieces I absolutely love but also cannot afford. I’ve found that framing the things you already love can make some amazing art pieces for your home. My daughter is 20 years old now but I dug out some old pictures she did in grade school and framed them.

You can also make collages of things that trigger memories – a piece of a worn out baby blanket, a photo, a souvenir. Really the possibilities are endless.

Also if you want to find something that may look more like art take a look for art books at the Goodwill or vintage photos or advertisements and frame a print you like. I went to an amazing yard sale last weekend where they had thousands of vintage prints of ads, articles, magazine covers and art for only $1 each. Wish I could have looked through them all!

You would also be surprised how nicely some things may print from the internet if you have a good printer. Remember copyright issues though!

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