Interior Designer Melissa Salem’s Tips for Curating an Art Collection
1Art does not have to be expensive, but it should be a reflection of you and your passions.
2Do not buy art just online; go to art shows and galleries because the texture, flesh, and life of the piece can only be appreciated in person. We have very talented artists right here in Alabama.
3 That said, I do encourage people to learn what they love by looking online; it’s helpful to take screenshots of things that you are attracted to and then go back through those photos to determine if it’s a palette, a subject matter, or a meaning behind a piece that draws you to it.
4 Art is called a collection for a reason—it’s a journey; let it tell your story, especially when doing a gallery wall. Choose a variety of scales and mix mediums and subjects. Make sure they don’t compete, but complement each other.
5 Save up for special pieces that might be a bit out of your budget. I write something on the back—a quote or a reason why I loved it. Art is a gift to share with your children and others, and the pieces are like leaving breadcrumbs to those who come after.
6 Art doesn’t have to be expensive, but the meaning of the art—whether it evokes a memory or life lesson, for example, is what is what truly makes it valuable.
