Why Collecting Art Matters

Build a Home That Tells Your Story

We collect many things in life — memories, music, photos, stories. But what about art?

Collecting art isn’t just about decorating your walls. It’s about surrounding yourself with meaning. It’s about claiming space for beauty, culture, truth — and preserving stories that matter. When you collect original artwork, you’re doing more than investing in paint on wood or canvas. You’re investing in vision. In legacy. In an artist’s voice — and often, in your own.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Art makes your space deeply personal. It reflects who you are, where you've been, and what you believe in.

  • Original work holds energy. The brushstrokes, the texture, the intention — it's all real. Alive.

  • Collecting from living artists keeps the creative ecosystem strong. It sustains storytellers, uplifts communities, and ensures our culture isn’t just seen — it’s celebrated.

My collectors often tell me they feel seen when they hang a piece. That it reminds them of their strength. Their ancestors. Their dreams. It helps them to combat the often negative images we are bombarded with daily. Art heals.

If you’ve ever felt that pull from a painting — that this is meant for me feeling — trust it. That’s not just a transaction. That’s a connection.

Part one of the series: Spirit Guides where a young girl sits next to a wolf. They are both strong and beautiful. There are plants in the foreground.

Why Collect Art?

Discover why collecting art matters—how it builds legacy, supports living artists, and turns your space into a personal story worth sharing.

Artsy: How to Collect Emerging Art

A practical guide on building a collection—includes setting a budget, researching artists, and spotting value in rising creatives Artsy.

Artsy: Advantages of Buying at Auction

Explains how auctions provide provenance guarantees and structured frameworks that help with resale value and authenticity Artsy.

Saatchi Art: Investing in Art

Overview of why art can be a valuable asset—art as a way to diversify portfolios, support artists, and preserve cultural narratives InvestopediaPitchBook.

Artelier: How to Invest in Art for Beginners

Clear advice on starting an art investment journey: setting goals, understanding costs, and building a long-term strategy Artelier.

Investopedia: Fine Art Can Be a Fine Investment

An accessible breakdown of art investment as part of a diversified portfolio, risks involved, and how art compares to traditional assets Investopedia.

Chi City

I started this piece a long time ago as a live painting for an event at Navy Pier. Now I’m just sitting with it and thinking about what I actually want to create on here.

Inside my cluttered studio, with a cameo by Freddie.

Welcome to my Art Journal

Hello and welcome to my art journal.
I created this space to bring you closer to my world — not just the finished paintings, but everything behind them. Here, I’ll be sharing art collecting tips, thoughts on choosing the right print, sneak peeks of work in progress, updates on upcoming shows, and a few personal reflections along the way.

Whether you’re a longtime collector, an art lover, or just curious about the process, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s stay connected and keep creating.

Oh—and yes, that’s Boomastic Side Eye giving you a little attitude as you scroll in. Don’t take it personally. That side-eye says, “Welcome... but don’t get weird.” 😏 Also if you know me, you know that I am totally weird!

With love (and a raised brow),
Martha

#WIP Boombastic Side Eye, pencil drawing on wood, May 2025.