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by Armida Nagy Stickney
North Tampa Arts League
Why are you paying $600 for Giclée
of an original, fine art painting? No doubt, you determined it is
lovely and meets your décor needs, not to mention it is
printed on a simulated canvas surface. Is it art? You may like the
painting portrayed, but it is only a copy. Does it have a lasting
value other than the $599 price tag you paid for 20x30 inches of
reproduction?
Is it also an investment? To answer the
last question: "It's not worth the paper it is printed on, unless
it is a very limited edition signed by a renowned, loving artists,"
according to fine arts appraiser Karen Gaines of Montreal, Canada.
In fact, many galleries are now promoting Giclée fine art
because reproductions appear affordable — and they sell. To
think that 80% of art now sold is through the print process. Will
this have a negative, long-term effect on art? You may start to
wonder someday "where are the artists?" As you may know, technology
has a way of reducing things to the lowest
denominator.
Have you considered expanding your horizon
a little by visiting communities of local artists? You will be
pleasantly surprised at the full range of color and subject matter
that is available. In fact, public libraries are a good place to
find such artists.
Local artists, in today's world economy,
are having a tough time staying in business. They may not be
famous, commanding $$$$. Nonetheless, some of them exceed many of
the very famous in technique. Local artists often just lack
marketing skills, sufficient revenue, or political savvy. Artists
often feel the business side hinders their creativity and cannot
afford an agent. Some artists enter juried shows; some don't. They
are, nonetheless, all professional artists.
There is a lot of "original" art imported
from China, for example, that is made by assembly line. Yes! The
painting is put together by technicians who master one object or
aspect of a whole painting, and it may be aesthetic; but it is not
by an artist whose ideas and techniques are unique. The latter
method of painting is fine art; the former is not. Sure "Made in
China" is affordable. But you CAN afford authentic art by a local
artist, too. You may be able to negotiate a price or pay on
installment or commission something to your liking.
Seek out your local artists. They are
here. They have formed groups and art centers. Read the newspaper;
listen to radio stations with community agendas on an upcoming art
show. Come to know the artists. Ask to visit their studios. At any
rate, buy original from a local artist. Lessen your chances of
being defrauded with a counterfeit. Be a proud consumer of works of
art and know your U.S. dollars are being spent in your
neighborhood. Last but not least, buy what you like with local
sensibility. Art was meant to be an original expression.
The North Tampa Arts League seeks to
reverse a trend toward a positive direction: Think global but buy
local. For more information, contact http://www.northtampaarts.com
as a starter.
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Front Page 
Op-Ed 
