M y relationship with art, and in turn art at home, began some 30 years ago, with a gift of a photographic print entitled Fashion Models in New York taken by the celebrated photographer Norman Parkinson for the British edition of Vogue magazine. It shows four models on a balcony with the city behind them. I loved everything about the image—the city of New York that was on my travel bucket list; the expressions of the young women, three of them gossiping together while another, slightly at a distance, looks on in amusement; and of course the fashion, in particular the long feather that rose stiffly into the air from one of the models’ chic hats, mimicking the skyscrapers behind it. It was a lesson in the power of art, in whatever form, to make a connection, and to this day, photography remains a favorite medium of mine. Slim Aarons’ mid-century photographs of the rich and very beautiful at play, whether lounging by a pool in Hollywood or out on the ski slopes, are a joy to gaze upon—not just for the color and composition, but also for capturing the essence of that time. It is this that I love about portraits in oils, too, whether it be by Hans Holbein the Younger, Lucian Freud, or Laura Quinn Harris—the ability of the artist to capture a person’s character, prompting us to imagine the sitter’s life and, if they lived in tumultuous times, what they saw and heard.
ART AT HOME AND YOU, A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
As well as telling someone else’s story, art can tell the collector’s tale, too, and this is part of what can make acquiring art such an enjoyable experience. Buying art that we love and feel a connection with is fun and exciting, but crucially, it goes a long way in helping us create a home that reflects our personality. Today, we understand more than ever how important our home is to our peace of mind, and research has shown that we are happiest when we live in a dwelling that visually represents who we are. Art has never been as accessible as it is right now, as the past few years have seen a sea change in the way it is purchased. Once, buying a limited-edition print or original artwork meant a choice between approaching a bricks-and- mortar gallery or auction. Today, however, the digital world has made the process of buying and selling art far more democratic. There are now numerous online platforms selling art, and artists are using social media to directly access their audience, putting pieces up for sale via well-publicized ‘drops’ and making themselves easily available to buyers.
42 // ASPIRE ON THE SHORE
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