The global recession has given some of us many things to worry about, but I don't need to be a business sooth-sayer to know that adding to your art collection is not one of them.
Despite the recession, life must go on and if you love art but are put off by the high prices, then a trip to the Affordable Art Fair, London is for you.
A few days ago, I got a call from my friend, Naomi, asking if I would like to join her at the Affordable Art Fair taking place in Battersea Park. I had heard about the fair before but never attended, mainly because I didn't really believe that I would be able to afford any of the art on show. So, I jumped at the chance to see if I was wrong.
Everything is Art
I met Naomi at South Kensington, where we waited a little while for one of the many coaches and taxis the organisers had provided to get visitors to the venue. Our journey to the fair started with humour as Naomi and I sat in boot seats of a people carrier facing the road. Five minutes or so later we arrived at the fair.
While Naomi checked in her coat and briefcase, a neat pile of bed linen caught my eye. It comprised of linen that belonged to the artist's family over 100 years. My initial thought was "strange subject for art", but then like beauty art is in the eye of the beholder.
There were 120 galleries selling items from £50 to £3K, something really for everyone. We stopped often as we encountered interesting and often intriguing art captured our attention. Everything from a large dog made of miniature cuddly toys to ceramics from around the world.
The venue was buzzing with people, young and old, many nationalities and languages. I was surprised at how helpful most of the people on the gallery stands were, and we were often encouraged to touch and engage with the art. I confess I had thought they would ignore or treat my questions with disdain.
There was however, one memorable exception. At one stand, selling beautifully coloured irregularly shaped ceramic bottles, that we were very interested in buying, we were told off for touching, even though there was no 'do not touch sign'. Despite our interest, the man on this stand couldn't be bothered to talk with us, so we moved on.
My favourite pieces were 'memories in a box' and photographs of African tribes; the the strangest were Robert Bradford's large standing dogs made from small cuddly toys and wire wool.
Cuddles on wood © Robert Bradford
Artful buying
A vivid and colourful aluminium oil painting of the Beijing Summer Palace caught Naomi's eye and heart, and after much negotiation, especially considering a faint scratch, she bought it at £25 off the asking price.
Then more walking around, stopping and touching, when we spied a large salt and pepper shaker set. Naomi collects unique salt and pepper sets, and this set was definitely unique, based on the artists's travels of New England, USA. They were more art than function as you couldn't put anything in them and they were very heavy. However, they were pleasing on the eye, their shape and simplicity made them appealing to Naomi. So much so, that after a head versus heart argument with herself, Naomi happily bought them.
Naomi was not the only one whose heart ruled her purse. As I soon found and fell in love with two pieces of
pottery by Cornish potter Chris Beer.
They are elegant in design, shape and colour, their ethnic and earthy look and feel
called out to me. There was no heard over heart argument for me, I wanted them so much, that despite the effect the recession was having on me, I negotiated a £15 discount for both. I have no regrets, and even today I know I got a real bargain.
I was glad to correct my initial impression of the fair, it was truly affordable, it gave opportunities for emerging artists to sell their work, but most importantly I kicked off my art collection with unique pieces purchased at a bargain.
Affordable Art's Fair London 2010 11 -14 March 2010 in Battersea Park, London.
Affordable Art Fair tips:
Here are a few of the tips we tried that led to both an enjoyable day and some arty bargains:
1. Ask questions - about the art, the artist and the gallery.
2. Walk around once before buying anything.
3. Touch! Many galleries will be happy for you to engage with these pieces.
4. Negotiate! Even though the art is 'affordable' you can still try to get a better price.
5. Get the artist's CV. When buying a piece, place the CV in an envelope and stick it to the back of your picture as a reminder of it's origin.
