Victoria Shaw, AAA: Collecting Art For A Connected Community | Self-improvement Atlas #47

This episode of the podcast revolves around the topic of art collecting and its role in connecting with people. Victoria Shaw talks about the challenges and rewards of being involved in the art world, including the hectic nature of art fairs and the need to prioritize meaningful events and conversations.

Meet Victoria Shaw

Victoria Shaw is an art appraiser and advisor with 30 years of experience in the world of art, antiques, and auctions. She is a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America and provides appraisals for estate tax and insurance purposes, including damage and loss assessments, charitable gift donations, and blockage discount reports for artist’s estates.

Victoria is certified by the Appraisers Association of America in areas such as Postwar, Contemporary, and Emerging Art, 20th Century Decorative Arts and Design, and American Furniture and Decorative Arts. She is also accredited by the Appraisers Association of America in various areas, including African-American Art, American Paintings, Drawings & Sculpture, Continental Decorations & Early European Works of Art, Silver, General Household Contents, and Prints.

About the episode

In the podcast, Victoria highlights various ways in which art collecting can foster connections and understanding, such as getting to know artists personally, attending art fairs and gallery openings, visiting artist studios during open house events, and following artists online.

When asked to define art and art collecting, Victoria emphasizes these concepts’ subjective and individualistic nature. She believes that art and its interpretation are deeply personal, and each person may have a unique perspective on what constitutes art. She also emphasizes the value of experiencing art alongside artists themselves, as it provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of their work.

Victoria describes her role as an art advisor, where she helps clients navigate the art market and make informed purchases. She mentions that one of the challenges she faces is having difficult conversations with clients when prices are too high, or market values have changed.

One way to enhance your art collecting journey is to actively engage with the art community. Attend art fairs, gallery openings, and open studio events to get to know artists personally. Building connections with artists can provide unique insights into their work and deepen your appreciation for their artistic process.

Consider buying directly from emerging artists to support them early in their careers. Investing in emerging talent helps artists financially and allows them to acquire artwork that may increase in value over time. Additionally, supporting emerging artists can be a rewarding experience as you witness their growth and development as artists.

Working with an experienced art advisor for major art purchases or navigating the complex art market is advisable. Art advisors can provide valuable guidance and expertise and help you make informed decisions. They can also assist in navigating potential issues that may arise during the art acquisition process.

Here are more tips for collecting art based on the podcast:

Communicate openly about taste preferences: When it comes to inheriting artwork within a family, have open discussions about taste preferences. This can help avoid conflicts and ensure that each family member’s opinions and desires are considered.
Regular appraisals: Art values can fluctuate over time, so it is important to get regular appraisals to stay informed about the market trends and the condition of your collection.
Explore smaller, specialized art fairs: Besides major art fairs, consider attending smaller, specialized ones. These fairs often offer a more curated and intimate experience, allowing you to discover unique artworks and emerging talent.
Collect based on personal connection: Prioritize collecting artwork that resonates with you personally rather than solely viewing it as an investment.
Experience art with other artists: When possible, engage in art experiences with other artists. Their unique perspectives can provide valuable insights into artistic techniques, intentions, and the creative process.

In conclusion

This podcast episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for art collectors. It encourages you to immerse yourself in the art world, connect with artists, and curate a collection that reflects your personal journey.

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