Before self-promotion on the web, galleries commanded the art world. They were the gatekeepers deciding which artists could show their work. There’s power in controlling the art available to see and buy, and in many ways the voice of the artist. Many artists skip this type of venue now, and promote themselves on the web. Jack and I have built this website and this blog to showcase his brand and art, and show to a smaller extent with galleries, festivals, social media sites and print publications.

Just after college, I was working a seasonal field job tagging salmon. I had a little extra money one Sunday at the street market in Astoria. I found a porcelain mug my hands couldn’t put down. After a quick chat with the artist, I walked away with my first piece of hand crafted art. I didn’t realize it at the time, but in a way I was learning about collecting art. We are all drawn to art that stirs in us, draws our fingers close, stops short a breath, makes our faces flush, and locks in our attention. The new collector who bought Rainbow cactus, told Jack that even after walking across the room, she just couldn’t take her eyes off the painting. That’s how we know. It’s that easy to be a collector.

Once you buy a limited edition print, or original, you have reached collector status. As we look to the new year, I ask you to let your emotions decide when choosing a piece of art to collect. For inspiration, take home Jack’s hauntingly bare Bull Skull or shocking pink Stargazer Lily.

Happy New Year all!

Max