What’s your background?
I’m a Collector whose interest in collecting started in high school. I taught in an Art College but I
am not a visual artist.
How do you feel about Flipping Art?
There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with flipping and making money. It’s just that many of the
Artists whom I collect have become like family. Holiday dinners and events would be real tricky if I
sold something I bought from a family member and did not give them something. Imagine how
things are going to be at that BBQ? Some people don’t have this kind of relationship with Artists or
the art that they buy, it is purely a transaction. Based upon the terms of the transaction they did
nothing wrong so in my opinion is we need to stop shaming people who do this. If you don’t like
this change the terms which is why all of our Members agree to the following:
If you sell work acquired through your membership you share a percentage of the before tax profits
using the scale below. We in turn share half of that with all living Artists in the marketplace and for
those no longer alive with their estates if they can be found:
Time
0-5 years 40%
5-9 years 30%
10+ years 20%
Why do you take a percentage?
Some of the items are purchased at auctions or I literally travel the world to check out Art. I invest
a lot of time researching Artists whom I think will appreciate not just based upon the art but also
their “story.” There are costs associated with finding and keeping art. Prior to the art reaching your
home it is properly stored and in some cases slight restoration is done. The initial prices of the work
remain low, often below market value because we want you to have Art in your home. We ideally
want the piece properly displayed for all to enjoy. Covering ourselves on the back end allows us to
offer art at affordable prices now, knowing if we ALL do our part the work will appreciate and we
can share in that growth together.
We understand life happens. You may NEED to sell a piece. This is a judgement free zone so the
Spirit of our Agreement with members reflects that.
The late John Sims whom I had the fortune to meet and briefly hang out with a month before his
passing shared how he was hesitant to sell some of his work because of what happened to friends of
his. Their work appreciated and sold for millions and they received nothing. Although that is the
agreement, it makes it hard to price work. When you know that years from now what you are
selling for at “the fair price,” has the potential to appreciate and you have no direct benefit other
than setting a higher price for your work it drives up prices. This practice actually keeps some work
out of the marketplace and out of view for people to enjoy.
How do you feel about Galleries?
I am still friends with the Gallerists whom I initially bought from, well those who treat Artists well.
I found out through my Artist relationships about the Gallerists who are predatory and after my
initial purchase only buy from them if they are the place of last resort. Not all Gallerists are BAD.
There are some amazing Galleries that support Artists, cultivate their careers and work hard for
every cent of their commission. If you read our newsletter you can figure out these places because I
mention their events. I still buy from Galleries.
Currently no one is paid to be listed. I list exhibits and shows that I like or with Artists I think will
be relevant to my audience. This may change in the future but for now none of the listings are paid
and I don’t receive anything, not even a free piece of art or reduced admission if admission requires
payment.