Article #22 – The Gift

by Arrachme – The Art Lady

Is it appropriate to give a gift of art?

You venture into a gallery and stop in your tracks. Instantly, you say to yourself, “That painting reminds me of my sister!”  You reach for your credit card; on the exhale a foreboding cloud fills the room.  A memory surfaces. You bought the perfect item for a dear friend. Months pass.  It’s a warm Saturday morning while you’re driving home. A garage sale sign lights up and beckons you, like a deliciously soft, chocolate truffle. It seems like the blinker came on and the car parked itself. Behold, your eye catches a glimpse of a painting identical to the one that you bought your friend. Your thinking, that’s amazing, what are the odds? Upon closer observance, you recognize a tiny mark in the corner of the frame. It’s the very one that you bought for your friend. Being the highly evolved person that you are, you sigh, don’t think twice about it, and move on to the next task of the day.

Don’t despair. There is hope. Possibly asking yourself a few short questions about your intention, might shed some light on the art of gift-giving.  Before being faced with the daunting task of analyzing a family member; first, analyze the art.

Painting Categories

Does the painting evoke a happy memory?

Does the painting conjure a specific emotional feeling in you?

Does the painting stimulate a political or controversial feeling?

Does the painting hit you with shock and awe?

Now fit your family member or friend into the selection that you made.  Which one best describes their personality? Doing this step may loosen the feeling that you are trying to fit an enormous cog into a tight-fitting socket.

My enclosed painting, “Looking Up”, was exhibited internationally in a Visible Poetry Exhibition. The original became a part of a permanent collection. Which category would you place it in?

The Reward

Well-intended gifts can bring people together, forming a solid bond. It can be gratifying that one big, beautiful piece of fine art can instantly change a home.  A fresh new painting that reflects a unique personal aesthetic can either bring about a required momentum or a peaceful balance. Your true love, friend, or family member will thank you if take the time to put yourself in their shoes and look through their eyes.

You can avoid clutter and save space by doing your due diligence.  A friend said that she kept bestowed special items carefully packaged in a catch-all closet. When the benefactor visits, she temporarily brings them out to pickle the house.

 If you are not a super extraordinary gift giver, these few helpful tips might generously create an important lifetime bond. Others, like to know that you cared enough to make a special effort.

…or if all else fails, there are usually art gift certificates.