The gift that keeps on giving.
It’s that time of year again, when people like me run about frantically searching for last minute gifts while organised gifters sit back with a mulled wine and a choral rendition of ‘Silent Night’.
Here, let’s run through some of the reasons why gifting art is such an amazing option.
1.It’s Personal
Selecting artwork to suit a friend’s taste, interests or home shows you’ve really thought about them. You can go one further and commission a bespoke work, for example a portrait or keepsake item. Gifting a well thought artwork shows you value the recipient and know their tastes.
2. It’s Unique
When you gift original artworks you’re gifting a one-of-a-kind (or limited edition) item. It’s bespoke and exclusive in a mass produced world. It shows that you value the uniqueness of the person you’re gifting it to. It’s an emotion associated gift that can bring joy and inspiration into someone’s life.
3. It Supports Artists
Not only are you gifting something unique, you’re also getting feel good vibes from supporting an artist and small business. There’s a real person at the end of the artwork who you can connect with. This can be especially pertinent if the receiver is an artist or art aligned. Exploring the story behind the artwork can deepen connections not only between the giver and receiver but also people who go into their home for years to come. Art is nothing if not a conversation starter.
4. Artwork Lasts
So many gifts are throwaway novelties. When you gift artwork you’re telling someone you love that you’re in it for the long-haul. After this season, next year, for many years to come this artwork will be there as a reminder of your bond. Maybe it’ll even become an heirloom for the next generation.
TOP TIP: if you’re not sure about how much space a recipient has go for a small, wall based neutral palette piece such as a charcoal or pencil drawing. It will feel personal without causing a rehang dilemma in their home.
5. There’s Something for Every Space
Art comes in many aesthetics. Whether you’re gifting to a student in digs or a pal with new grounds there’s a size, media and artwork for everyone. You can pick up small carry around sculptures, decorative boxes or furniture as well as large scale paintings and sculptures. Not only does art come in every size it also comes at every price point.
Theses are just five of the many compelling reasons to gift artwork. It’s a special gift that brings joy and enhances the surroundings. Artwork can spark conversations and change the atmosphere of a room. It is a meaningful gift, purchased mindfully. My favourite reason though is that this gift lasts, bringing joy for many years to come.
REFERENCE LINKS
The following are a small sample of market places selling artwork (UK):
Selling limited and open prints Cosimo Art | Making Art Affordable & Accessible
Selling prints Buy Art Online | Contemporary Art For Sale | Rise Art
Selling original artworks Buy Art | Original Artwork, Wall Art & Art Prints | Artfinder
Selling a mix of famous and emerging artists Art Gifts | King & McGaw
You can check out my store here Store | Charlie Kirkham
Charlie Kirkham 
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