Get to Know Me

What do you do in the art world?

I have the good fortune of being an art advisor, working with individuals buying or selling art. Everyday, whenever I see something new, I have to throw my whole body of knowledge at it— determining whether the artist, and the work in particular, is worth considering and at what price. When a client wants to sell, my job is to mine the art market, including discussions with auction houses and dealers, to determine the best price the client can realize and the best way and time to sell.

Do you have a routine when visiting a museum/gallery?

The Museum world has changed dramatically. Museum budgets are tight and most museums can’t afford to put on shows, given the costs associated with shipping, insurance, catalog writing and printing, openings, etc. The way they handle it now is to get galleries to put up the money for all of those things for shows of THEIR artists. The Museum of Modern Art and a few other museums have not gone in that direction, but many others have. So, that’s the first thing I think about - whether I’m looking at an extension of another gallery space. And once I get in front of a painting, that’s when you have to look carefully— is it the best amongst the others in the room, does it speak to you? And if there was a fire, which painting would you grab and why? I look at a work from a distance and then closeup and then I step back and look at it from a distance once more.

What are the most interesting aspects of your work?

As an advisor, I’m keenly aware that a collection should reflect the person putting the collection together and not a dealer, an auction house expert or me. So, getting to know a new client - what he or she thinks is important in work and in life - helps me direct them to an artist or a school of work. I’m fortunate to have met some fascinating people who collect art and see how that enriches their lives and the lives of their children. It’s always a great ride!