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Meeting |
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February 7, 2006 |
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 DR.
SIU CHALLONS-LIPTONQUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE The Art of Buying Art By John Galles Dr. Siu Challons-Lipton was introduced by Alan Adler. She currently serves as Chair and Assistant Professor of the Art Department at Queens University of Charlotte. Having previously been a fine arts consultant at McColl Fine Art of Charlotte, Dr. Challons-Lipton received a doctor of philosophy from Oxford University and a master's degree from McGill University in Montreal. She also received training in 19th and 20th century decorative arts from Sotheby's in London. She is fluent in seven languages. "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." So sayeth Picasso and quoted by Dr. Challons-Lipton at the beginning of her presentation. She went on to say that "art chronicles our past, mirrors the present and often predicts the future. And so art has value….financially, culturally and symbolically as a reflection of the human spirit and creativity." While anyone can collect art, their reasons for collecting art may vary and include any or all of the primary reasons….passion, prestige, investment and fun. To be successful at buying art requires a greater understanding of art and its processes and techniques and the artists who create art. To answer the question, what is original art, Dr. Challons-Lipton spoke about independent thinking and works that have been created as the first or initial product with a wide variety of materials and focus. She also described the process of making prints of original works to reproduce those works and how they differ from copies of prints which might be made by printing companies. Dr. Challons-Lipton spoke about the abundance of art media… from photographs to drawings to paintings to digital projections. She recommended that buying art successfully required an extensive process that includes keeping an open mind, reading and viewing and learning to see all that art entails. She encouraged having an opinion so that you can explain what you like and be specific, decisive, realistic, and operate within a budget. Most important, she said is reading and learning. Sources for learning and exploring include libraries, art sellers or experts, dealers, auctions, gallery owners and the artists themselves. She urged that when buying art, make sure that you get proof of ownership, a certificate of authenticity, a sales receipt, an appraisal and any published works that speak about or reference the piece or the artist. She nudged buyers to become detectives. As a precaution, she said to watch out for emotional or pressure sales. Be careful buying at yard sales or online or from a TV promotion. Beware of amateurs. Select your dealer or gallery with care. Look carefully for damage to the artwork before purchase. To minimize risk, make sure you know the history of the art; consider the liquidity of the art and its re-sale-ability. Look for art that is in demand. Remember, Dr. Challons- Lipton said that some art is more valuable that other art; art prices fluctuate over time; and remember that every artwork sold has a commission included in the price that can range from 10 to 60%. She closed with a quote from Oscar Wilde, "Life imitates art far more than art imitates life." Each person collecting art must become an expert on what they collect. Have fun, but be prepared to participate in the promotion of the artist and/or the works themselves. Research, research, research! And keep all your documents together with your art! Head Table: Matt Joyner, Carol Jordan, Herb Harriss, Alan Adler, Bob Culbertson, Bob Finley; Invocation: John Snyder Visitors & Guests: Joey Godbold; Health & Happiness: Frank Watson; Song: David Erdman; Piano: Thomas Moore
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Revised: January 24, 2008.