5 Essential Tips for Collecting Ceramics
This article was originally published on December 21, 2020 in Artsy.net. Read the full article HERE.
Because ceramic art is so new to the art market, it can be difficult to determine which works will accrue the most value in the long term. For those looking for a stable investment, a vetted artist that is represented by a trusted institution or gallery is the best bet.
In the United States, there are several specialized museums and institutions with extensive collections of ceramic art. Spahn recommended the Everson Museum of Art, the Crocker Art Museum, and Arizona State University’s Ceramics Research Center as great resources for learning more about the history of the medium, which will help to inform collectors regarding any potential acquisition.
For those interested in emerging ceramic artists, Reed said that the best way to discover new work is to “follow galleries that pay attention and are dedicated to educating themselves not only on the artists they are exhibiting, but also to others in the field.” He explained that many contemporary galleries are closely watching revered craft schools and residency programs, which are “incubation centers for some of the great artists coming into the field.” He also noted that “those [who] work in clay tend to be…involved in a tight-knit group eager to share and support their fellow sculptors.” This attribute makes discovering and learning more about contemporary ceramic artists highly accessible.
Social media platforms are another great way to discover up-and-coming artists. Nana Spears, co-founder of New York–based contemporary art gallery and studio Fort Makers, believes that collectors should start by going to galleries and finding work that resonates with them, and then do follow-up research online. “If you love a gallery and then you go look on Instagram, you’ll see all of their past shows and find an artist you love,” she explained.
