If you’re trying to find affordable art or build a collection without spending a fortune, you might be overlooking one of the best sources. Your own friends!
When people come over to my house, I kind of feel like I am giving a museum tour.
“I got this piece from an art festival.”
“I found this rock at a gem show.”
“This plant came from…”
Why Art from Friends Is a Great Affordable Art Option
Some of your favorite pieces in your home will come from people you know. It’s because there is a story behind it. There is thought and love behind it and it means more to you than just buying something from someone. Having a beautiful piece of art given to you from a friend is one of the most wonderful gifts to receive. It’s one of the easiest ways to find affordable art that actually means something. It’s also a wonderful feeling to support your friends with purchasing a piece. Either way, you win.
The First Piece I Ever Got from a Friend
I remember the first piece of art I got from a friend. Let me “paint” you the picture. It was my birthday, before the time of social media, and I wasn’t really expecting anyone to remember or know it was my birthday. I was living away from my hometown and my family for the first time as a young woman and was feeling particularly down. My friend was an extraordinary graffiti artist, who I used to drive to different art “events”. He stopped by for my birthday and gifted me with a painted spray paint can with my name tagged on it that he had turned into a bamboo vase. Wow! What a great feeling that someone remembered me and put effort in for me. I still own that piece and it is proudly displayed as soon as you walk into my home.
Why Art from Friends Hits Different
This is why art from friends just hits differently. There is a story behind it. You know who the person is. You remember exactly when you got it and the circumstances behind it. It’s usually more affordable if you purchase the piece to support them. But most of all, it brings you a certain feeling when you look at it. When I look at all the art in my home and all of the pieces from friends and family, I can almost feel the love radiating off of them.
What Counts as Art from Friends?
Some friends paint. Others draw. Some make quilts, stained glass, or take photos. I bet you know a bunch of people who do things like this as a hobby. You might not even think of it as “art,” but it is. Take an interest in it. Ask them about it. I bet you will end up with something handmade with love for a special occasion if you do this. At the very least, you will know if they have a booth somewhere soon and you can support them there.
How to Start Collecting Art from Friends
If you start paying attention to what the people around you are creating, you will realize that you probably know more artists than you think. Once you come to that realization, start asking them about their work. Maybe they are selling, or maybe they are thinking about selling, and you asking them about it will give them the confidence boost they need to start. You can always start with prints or some smaller pieces if you like. If you have a little extra and want to contribute more, you can even commission a piece from them. And lastly, if they do have a booth, website, Instagram, etc. share their work to help get their name out there. All of these help you start collecting while supporting your friend too.
Why This Is One of the Best Ways to Start an Art Collection on a Budget
Not everyone can afford gallery prices for art, but getting art from friends and family is one of the easiest ways to add character and love into your home without spending a fortune. I still love finding pieces at art festivals and discovering artists I have never seen before, but my favorites will always be the ones that come from people I know.
