The Process: Introspection First, Art Second

Before you head out to find the perfect art for your home or office, you will want to take a few moments to delve into some introspection. You may think you know what you are looking for, but after you have looked a t dozens of art pieces, your vision can get cloudy. While you may wind up with an amazing piece that you couldn’t have imagined even existing before, you will more likely be swayed towards choosing the one you like most out of the selection presented to you, not necessarily the ideal piece you were looking for in the first place. Taking the time to do a little homework can help keep you focused, and you will be better equipped to communicate your wants and desires to others. If you would like a PDF form that you can complete, print, and take with you, click here.

1. How do you want the art to make you feel?
2. What are some of your cherished memories?
3. In what places or circumstances have you felt the most complete or happy?
4. Are you more attracted to bright colors or darker, more somber tones?
5. Which to you tend to study more closely, paintings, sculptures, or photographs?
6. When you travel for pleasure, think about the places you go. Are there any commonalities to the locations? What is it about those places that draw you in?
7. Do your preferred activities revolve more around people or places?
8. Think about the times that you have been particularly moved by an image. Can you identify one or more reasons you were drawn to it?
9. Think of the accomplishments in your life that you are most proud of. When you re-live those moments in your mind, what emotions can you identify? When looking at piece of art, does it evoke those same emotions in you?
10. Which is more important to you when buying art, investment value/prestige or personal appeal?
11. Where will the art be displayed (home, office, or public space)?
12. What are you are passionate about? Think of physical representations of those things (flowers, car, airplanes, music, dancing, sports, hiking, etc.) and look for artistic representations of them.