How to work with an art advisor

Have you ever decorated a space and ended up with an annoying gap in your wall which you need to find some art for, but never seem to find the time or just the right piece? Here I am in conversation with Beth Swaab from Bink Fine Art on how to work with an art advisor to complete your home.

Image by Trevor Tender

Hi Beth, tell me about yourself?

I have lived and breathed the art world for nearly thirty years! 

I started out studying a 3 year general valuation, Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers course at Southampton where we learned to value most antiques including wine (perfect for me) scientific instruments (strange one, not really my first choice) and my absolute favourite, sat up listened, turned up for the lectures, fine art!

Many years later having worked for Christies in Glasgow and Trinity House in Broadway and London I decided to set up my own art advisory and gallery online, bringing an accessible, approachable and very much fun aspect to buying art.

When should I consider using an art finder?

The art world is a tricky one to navigate, there are so many avenues; auction houses, a multitude of ‘art advisors’ and high street galleries all wanting your business. If you feel that you need some honest guidance in finding your first piece, or building a collection, that is when to look for someone who has experience in their field and who will give you balanced, experienced professional advice.

At what stage in an interior design project should I bring one in?

It completely depends on the individual. Some clients want to build their scheme around an artwork, whilst others would like to complete the scheme first and bring in the artwork at the end.  I would say paintings and sculpture are so important to the feeling of any interior that to think of them alongside the working designs and colour scheme would be the ideal.

What benefits are there?

The main benefit is to not waste money and time.  An awful lot of both can be sunk in bidding or buying the wrong piece in the wrong condition from the wrong place.

What should I ask them?

Really it is the other way around, they will be asking you lots of questions, such as had you an idea of subject, colour, size, cost…also are you looking for an investment piece, a decorative piece or the golden ticket, both! 

How much will it cost?

My consultation is completely free of charge.

How do you work?

I have a chat on the phone first to see what the client's ideas are and what they are potentially looking for, I will then send across images, ideas, really a mood board of possibilities. The final stage is taking suggested artwork to their house which may or may not suit the room…it is so important to see pieces in the space as what looks good online may not quite work with the lighting, colour scheme etc.

Image by Gross & Daley

How do art finders and interior designers work together?

It’s all about synergy of vision, the interior designer will go through the architectural and colour schemes for the particular room or rooms they are looking to acquire artwork or sculpture for, explaining the ambience and feeling they are looking to achieve for their client.  We will initially meet to look through photos of the rooms and perhaps swatches of materials and paint colour used and then move to site.

What is your top tip for people looking to add art or sculptures to their collection?

Buy what you like!  That is the main tip…. what you are drawn to and what makes your soul sing!

Before TV and Netflix  entertainment was sitting looking at beautiful artwork in your home, perhaps listening to some music, but certainly having the time and quiet to appreciate and enjoy what is hung on your walls. Perhaps it is a coastal scene, close your eyes and you can hear the surf and the seagulls or a beautiful ethereal garden filled with colour and light, close your eyes and you can hear the bees and smell the flowers….that is the power of a really fantastic artwork.

 What is next for you? How can people contact you?

For me it is continuing to find beautiful artworks for clients, finding the right piece for the right person at the right price, that is the magic!

So, if you are looking for help sourcing that perfect piece contact Beth on beth@binkfineart.com. Or if you would like help creating your own art led interior design, contact me below