Original Art Feels Risky. Here’s Why It’s Not.
I’ve been there—watching someone linger in front of a piece, arms crossed, torn between wanting it and second-guessing themselves.
Art Basel showing my Aria Collection in Miami.
Buying original art isn’t like buying a new side table or swapping out throw pillows. It feels personal. Emotional. Permanent. And that can stir up all kinds of hesitation.
Here’s the truth: the people who take the leap never regret it. The ones who wait? They’re the ones who message me later saying, “Is that piece still available?”
If you’ve ever felt drawn to art but stopped yourself, you’re not alone. Here are five fears about buying original work—and why none of them should keep you from owning something that truly moves you.
I’m not an art person
Let’s clear this up right now: if you’ve ever paused at a piece of art because it made you feel something—guess what? You’re already an art person.
There’s this myth that collecting art is only for people who use words like “curate” or studied art history. But owning art isn’t about credentials. It’s about connection.
[I don’t think I have any collectors who studied art history]
Some of my favorite collectors never intended to start a collection. They just followed what moved them—and one piece led to another.
Zhang and Melissa W, both project managers, (and little Michael) collecting the Ice Cave from a show in Las Vegas
If you’re not sure where to start, I created a simple 7-question art quiz to help you discover what kind of work speaks to you. No pressure, no overthinking—just a fun way to see what resonates.
Trust your gut. If something sticks with you, that’s more than enough. That’s the start of your art story.
Will it match my space?
It’s a fair question—especially if you’ve spent time dialing in your interior design. But here’s the thing: great art doesn’t just match a space. It anchors it. It transforms it.
Whether your home leans modern, minimalist, or warm and lived-in, the right piece of art doesn’t need to “go with the couch.” It becomes the focal point. When you choose the right piece, it doesn’t blend in—it brings the room to life. It becomes the soul of the space.
If you’re thinking about buying art for your home and wondering whether it will go with your couch, try asking something different: Does it move you? Does it elevate the way you feel in the space? Because in the end, art isn’t about matching—it’s about meaning.
Want help figuring out what kind of artwork could bring your space to life? Take the art discovery quiz—it’s a fun place to start.
PS - we can choose an art frame that will bridge the art to your interior decorating style.
Markh and Vanessa T. added Tree of Fire to their living room with a anti-reflective, matte acrylic surface to keep their amazing light fixture from casting an odd reflection on it.
Is it worth the investment?
Original art isn’t cheap—and it shouldn’t be. When you invest in a piece, you’re not just paying for ink, paper, or materials. You’re investing in vision, mastery, and the emotional impact it brings into your space every single day.
Unlike trendy décor that comes and goes, original artwork becomes part of your life. It greets you when you walk in the room. It hangs with you through seasons, milestones, and mornings when you need a moment of stillness. The right piece holds value not just on your walls—but in your memories.
If you’re thinking about investing in fine art for the first time, it’s okay to pause. But also consider what you’re actually buying: not just a thing, but an experience. A relationship. A new lens through which to see the world.
You don’t have to be an art investor to buy meaningful work. You just have to be someone who values beauty, emotion, and longevity over fast trends.
What if I regret it?
Here’s something I’ve learned after more than a decade of working with regular people who’ve become my collectors: regret never shows up after the purchase—it shows up after they walk away.
I’ve had countless messages from people saying, “I can’t stop thinking about that piece. Is it (or my offer) still available?” And sometimes, it is. But often, it’s not. Original art is one-of-a-kind. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
If you’re worried about regretting an art purchase, ask yourself this: are you hesitating because it doesn’t feel right—or because it feels too right and that scares you a little?
Art isn’t about making a perfectly rational decision. It’s about allowing yourself to respond emotionally. To say yes to something that speaks to you—even if it’s unexpected.
The truth? You’re more likely to regret letting a powerful piece slip away than you are to regret trusting your gut.
Buying original art isn’t about expertise. It’s not about saying all the right design terms or being able to talk about brushstrokes and symbolism. It’s about feeling something—and honoring that feeling.
If you’ve been drawn to a piece but hesitated because of one of these fears, I hope this helped you realize you’re not alone. Everyone starts somewhere. Everyone questions themselves a little at first.
But the best collectors I know didn’t wait until they had all the answers. They just followed the work that made them feel more alive.
If you’re ready to start your own journey, take the art discovery quiz. It’s a simple way to find pieces that fit your style—and maybe even surprise you.
Art isn’t just something to look at. It’s something to live with.