Art is Always a Necessity

In these difficult economic times, we often hear people say that they are art lovers, but they can't justify buying art because "art is not a necessity."

"Irish Girl" by Jacqueline Chisick

On the surface, this makes some sense... but when we delve a little deeper, it begs the question of what really constitutes a "necessity?"

We can probably agree that air and water are necessities, as are food and shelter. But we soon get into a gray area: Is the 47th app subscription for for your smartphone at $2.99 a month really a "necessity?" Especially when you just use it three times and then forget you have it? Is the 43rd pair of earrings you'll wear twice a year more of a "necessity" than a piece of art?

Humans have adorned their walls with paintings and their spaces with decorative objects for all of history-- going all the way back to our distant ancestors living in caves.

The magical thing about art is that it offers us lasting moments of joy long after some of our temporary "necessities" are gone. We must remember that it is impossible to put a "price" on the joy we get from having beautiful and meaningful objects of art around us...

Original illustration by Julie Zarate

When I was a small child, I would visit my grandparents' house and while the adults were busy with "adult things," I would be set down with books at puzzles in their living room... where the walls were also covered with dozens of paintings.

As often as not, I would end up spending hours just looking at the places and people portrayed... and letting my imagination go to work. As an adult, some of these paintings now hang on our walls... and remind me not only of my grandparents, but of my childhood. Much as we might like to think otherwise, we generally don't get to associate such memories with "practical" things.

I grew up in a house filled with all kinds of art-- and I feel certain these early impressions led to my adult love of things artistic and creative. I also know that my parents' love of art contributed to a life in which I have often chosen to "go another year without new shoes" in favor of adding a new piece of art to my collection.

But why do perceive art to be a "necessity?"

Because art tends be both calming and mood enhancing. Imagine your home with bare walls... a bit depressing, don't you think? As humans, we constantly look at our immediate surroundings; finding beauty, or points of interest, in our field of view helps us not only calm down, but it stimulates our minds as we reflect, imagine, consider, reminisce or wonder. That's what art does. And that's why I consider art a "necessity."

Thanks for reading!

The Gift of Art

We occasionally have discussions with visitors about whether or not art makes a "good" or "appropriate" gift.

An Alchemy Stone

A surprising number of people seem to feel uncomfortable with the idea of giving art as a gift. "But I don't know if they'd appreciate this," they say, or "We have similar taste and they have a house full of art... but I'm just not sure they'd like this."

Based on the 15 years I spent in the gallery business previously, my experience tells me that art is generally a much better gift than people thing... but the bottom line of giving art as a gift has a definite "it depends" element to it.

The beauty of giving the gift of art is that you are giving something unique that will continue to offer the recipient enjoyment for years and years to come. UNlike a night on the town or even a pair of shoes, art has no "shelf life." It will always be there, as a reminder of a happy moment, and of the giver.

Giving a piece of art also says something about you, the giver: You took the time to pick out something unique for the recipient, rather than just pick "One Mass-Produced Whatever" that can be had at every corner store. Art is a statement of "I do care."

From a painting by Jacqueline Chisick

Art can be the perfect gift for close friends, loved ones and relatives you know well.

The "it depends" factor enters the picture when when we consider gifts for people we don't know as well. Even then, art can still be an excellent and unique gift, but we must be more mindful of our choices, and make sure we're not forcing something unusual or unconventional on someone who wouldn't welcome it.

On the whole, though, the gift of art is both appropriate and good. My wife and I have often given each other art for anniversaries and special occasions, and we have often given art to others-- and the response has almost always been very positive.

What is the Red Dragonfly? Opening words...

It all began with a piece of art-- a Red Dragonfly, to be precise.

The original Red Dragonfly

We went to pick it up at Ruthy's candle shop for Sarah's birthday, and intended to visit the Red Raven Gallery next door while we were there. Alas, it was not to be... the gallery was closed and there was a "FOR LEASE" sign up in the window.

It made us rather sad, since the Red Raven was pretty much Port Townsend's only viable alternative art space. Not that we have anything against landscapes and studies of sailboats, mind you.

Sarah started talking about what she'd do with the space if it were her gallery... one thing led to another and a few minutes later we were heading back to the gallery for a second look and to get the phone number off the "FOR LEASE" sign.

A whirlwind of activity followed and-- in spite of having absolutely no prior plans to do so-- three days later we went to sign the lease for our new alternative art gallery. Named, of course, Red Dragonfly... for the piece of art that started it all.