Sculptures add beauty and soul to any space. Start a stellar collection at home with these helpful tips
In an episode of the sitcom Friends, Joey Tribbiani goes on a shopping spree and buys a large ceramic dog sculpture that becomes a running gag throughout the hit series. Tribbiani’s impulsive purchase is an entertaining premise for TV, and also an extremely relatable scenario for first-time collectors concerned about making a similar misjudgment. Thankfully, with careful research and consideration, one can avoid such a situation.
If you're thinking about starting a sculpture collection, here are five tips on where to begin.
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1. Develop an eye for art
“Knowing where to begin can be intimidating, and that’s why it’s important to reach out to specialists like art dealers in the field,” says Rebecca Michelman of Michelman Fine Art, an art dealership based in New York City. “We exist to help you navigate the market, understand the artist’s work, and develop your own curatorial eye.”
The veteran art dealer, who has managed the sale of blue-chip works by artists ranging from Vincent Van Gogh to Andy Warhol, adds that one can build knowledge by visiting museums. “That way, you begin to develop an eye and get a sense of which periods of art history and subject matters inspire you,” she says. “Don’t get discouraged if nothing strikes your interest at first. I have found that passion is generally ignited when you connect with an artwork on an aesthetic, emotional and intellectual level.”
Kim Tay, gallery director of online art gallery The Artling, concurs. “There are many examples of public sculptures in most major cities—start to notice these in your day-to-day life to help you figure out your own taste over time,” says Tay.
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