And A Collection Begins

I must say I had a pretty exciting weekend over the long Memorial day holiday. I had a chance to spend some time with the family, catch up on some reading( the old fashion way, as my computer was infected with a virus which I have seemed to have beaten for the moment, knock on wood!), and broker my very first art deal. And what a piece I have started my collection with, an original limited edition Giclee from prominent African American artist Kathleen Atkins Wilson. I acquired the piece through a family member who had bought it from a friend at a "discount" price, and she thus turned around and sold it to me in hopes that I would properly frame it and give it a good home. So just like that, I am no longer an aspiring art collector. I have graduated to amateur art collector, and I must say I really, really enjoy the sensation and feeling I get from an acquisition! But enough about me, let's talk about the work of art I have chosen to begin my collection with, a piece entitled "The Promise." I have attached a picture of the work below:

So for the modest price of $75, I have garnished a $1500 work of art. Not bad for my first acquisition! I will be looking for a proper frame to do the work justice this week and next, and hope to have the work on display in my home by mid June( in time for my birthday).
Considered one of the pioneers of restoring the Lithograph to contemporary art, Kathleen Atkins Wilson continues to make beautiful limited edition works and  sculptures for clients. Her silhouette style speaks of the African Diaspora, and reminds us of the displaced who may have lost their culture but not the spirit and essence of who they are. The Promise is a biblical reference of God's promise to Noah he would not destroy the earth, and depicts three generations of men whose duty it is to preserve and respect the planet we live on. It is vibrant with color, which is expressive of hope and illicit an inspiring response to the viewer. I look forward to having the piece in my collection for a good while to use as a reference of inspiration when times get difficult in my life.
That's all for now. I am really getting excited about the 54th annual Allentown Art Festival in two weeks. I will definitely be looking for my next acquisition there. Until next time....

The Business of Art: Why Larry Gagosian is My Hero

I can recall a while back when I informed my father I wanted to study art and become an international art dealer and shun the world of computer science, he gave me a look of disgust and said directly to me "boy, there is no money in art. Stick to computers, they are the future. Messin' with art will leave you broke and waste your potential." I can truly say with great pleasure that my dad was dead wrong, and Larry Gagosian is living proof that there is money to be made in art, SERIOUS money. How much, you might say? Well, according to the April 1st article in the Wall Street Journal entitled "The Gagosian Effect",  $1 Billion in sales annually. And with 11 galleries and over 75 world renowned artist as "clients", Larry is showing no signs of slowing down.
And what an eclectic collection he has amounted in over 30 years of buying and selling art-  works from Picasso, Basquiat, Gorsky, De Kooning, Polluck, Sherman, it's like a who's who of contemporary art. And he keeps a business like approach to his Empire of galleries, assigning portfolio managers to his perspective artists and estates of artists. He insists that his managers have a background in banking or financial sales to help maximize the earning potential while at the same time curb the risk of his artists. Like a Wall Street tycoon managing a hedge fund, Larry watches for trends in the art world and pounces when he sees opportunity. He has an uncanny ability to spot talent and get maximum leverage and compensation for that talent, and it is this approach that attracts many artists to his fold, and keeps his potential clients interested in what he deems the next great thing. He has become the E.F. Hutton of the contemporary art world, and when he talks, people listen.

                                                       Larry Gagosian, image from the Wall Street Journal

It is rumored Larry is heavily courting contemporary Chinese artists Ai Weiwei and Zeng Fanzhi, and has been seen talking with Jasper Johns. Very strategic in my opinion, as the aforementioned Chinese artists will bring fresh new works to his Hong Kong Gallery, and Jasper Johns will keep the N.Y. scene chopping at the bit to see lost works from the 80 year old pioneer abstract expressionist. While I in no way imagine I will have the commercial success Mr. Gagosian has amassed in the years, he is an inspiration to me in laying down the foundation and groundwork to establish a successful career buying and selling art.
Until next time-