We don’t often think about the value of art. We buy a song on iTunes, pick up a book on Amazon, watch a TV show on Netflix, and most of us don’t think twice about it. But behind all those purchases is someone, probably a team of people, who worked on making it real.
Art as a topic is very broad, but essentially it is anything that has been created for artistic expression. It can be anything from music to painting, sculpture, drawing, and other traditional art mediums and some more unconventional like street art and graffiti. Art is valued for its aesthetic qualities, message, connection to history and culture, and connection to our sense of identity. So, what’s with all this talk about the value of art? Well, ever since starting my career as an art writer, I’ve been asked this question numerous times, so let’s dive in and find out.
Art isn’t just a luxury; it’s an important part of our lives. We interact with it every day, whether in museums, advertising, or movies. Yet how much do we know about the history of art, the artists who have created it, or the cultures from which art comes?
Does art have any value? Some say art should be free, while others are perfectly content paying good money to see their favorite paintings or sculptures. Others don’t even see art as valuable, seeing it as a waste of time.
The “value” of art has long been debated. Art may not be considered “valuable” in the same way say diamonds or other jewelry can be. But art can be valuable, and it’s often found that art has great value.
Art often is looked at as something that doesn’t have a monetary value. But think about it for a second, and you will realize how much art matters. Artists go through years of education and training to understand their craft and master it. They then pour their heart and soul into their work, their art, and put their all into it.
A painting is a work of art by an artist. Some paintings are valued at millions of dollars, and artists use their craft to create masterpieces that are worth protecting. But how much is an art piece worth? Well, that is a question that is difficult to answer. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but then anything a famous artist has produced is going to appeal to the collector.
Art is highly subjective, which means that how valuable a work of art is to you or anyone else is highly dependent on personal preference. As an art appraiser, I have a lot of experience working with privately-held art, so I’ve seen a variety of artwork in person. Often, my clients have told me how much a piece of artwork means to them or how it’s significant to them.
Art is valuable in more than one way. It’s valuable because art makes our lives richer and more interesting. It’s valuable because art can be a source of pleasure, relaxation, and enjoyment. It’s also valuable because it energizes us and helps us express ourselves. But is art valuable in other ways? Is art valuable in financial terms? Is art valuable an investment?
Your art can be valuable. It can turn out to be the best work of your life, or it may turn out to be a terrible mess. However, it can still be valuable. This value can come in many forms. It can make you money, make you friends, and make you feel useful. And it can make you happy. Just know that it isn’t all roses and sunshine. It can be a lot of work.
