I have a confession to make, my dear reader – I'm the worst artsy person. But despite this failing, I've always been attracted to visual art, something I believe my family contributed to. Our house was decorated with reproductions of the classics, from Picasso and Van Gogh to Kandinsky and as a child and young adult, I had the opportunity to visit some of the most fantastic museums in Paris – The Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, Musée Rodin, and more. These visits only stoked my lifelong passion for art, and as I traveled and lived around the world, I loved discovering local artists and galleries.
It wasn't until I started My Petite Gallery that I began to wonder if I had any art collectors in my midst. And let's be real, when you hear the term "art collector," you probably think of billionaires like Bernard Arnault or David Lawrence Geffen. Historically, the term "art collector" was often associated with the rich, such as the Medici family, who supported the most famous Renaissance artists. Their vast collection helped usher in the greatest cultural period in Europe's history. However, today, anyone can get started. Yes, even you, dear reader! It's all about finding something you love. Art collectors acquire and display a collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, prints, and other visual art forms. The best part is there's no right or wrong way to do it. Art collections come in all shapes and sizes, from a few cherished pieces to a vast collection. It's all about finding what speaks to your soul.
While the idea of collecting art may seem daunting, it doesn't have to be. I started my collection by collecting affordable pieces of local art and souvenirs from my travels. And now, at home, we proudly display a range of gallery pieces, including works by Laurent Parcelier, Je Shen, Pauline Maisonneuve (yes - from My Petite Gallery!) and Mina Alikhani – an American-Iranian artist. Without even realizing it, I became an art collector!
Buying art is one of the purchases we don't "need," but it's like adding extra spice to your life! A unique addition to the spice rack of self-expression that reflects one's true personality and taste. It's why I believe we all need a little art in our lives - for beauty, expression, diversity, and for our general wellbeing. And as the world becomes more digital, there's something truly special about displaying unique pieces of art in your home.
Plus, owning art can be a form of investment, as artwork values have been increasing steadily over the years. In fact, according to DollarSprout, art consistently delivers average returns of 7.6% and, because it is unaffected by how the financial markets are performing, is a much more stable investment.
So, whether you're a seasoned collector or a newbie, we are here to help. At My Petite Gallery, we offer a broad range of art pieces, with various sizes, mediums, and prices. And, we regularly post tips for novice and experienced collectors alike on our social media pages.
Art collecting is a journey, and it's never too late to start. It just takes one piece to start your collection, and who knows? That one piece could be the start of something beautiful. Before you know it, you'll be surrounded by artwork that inspires and uplifts you every day.
And if you do decide to join the ranks of accidental art collectors, you'll be in the company of some of the world's most eclectic and passionate people!
So, don't be shy. Start your collection with a piece from My Petite Gallery, or any other piece of art that speaks to your soul. You'll never regret the joy and beauty it will bring to your life.