FINE ART IN BUSINESS

FINE ART IN BUSINESS

By Steve Setum

Most successful business people I know have great art collections, in their homes and in their offices. This is interesting because most business people believe that decorating their office with some fine art is a waste of their time.

Yet, I know many others who think quite the opposite, and all of them are very, very successful. I asked some of these highly successful business people why they collect and invest in quality art while others do not. The explanations were interesting.

One gentleman, a top motivational speaker in the country, told me that his collection of fine art in his office and business facilities crystallizes his image, helps him to express himself to others, breaks the ice, and has been a lot better than empty walls or shallow fading posters that most other businesses utilize as office decorations. "It inspires me and my staff." he told me... "And your work environment is one of the 18 or so important factors in being successful -- and that is to have a great work environment." Sounds simple enough, I thought, and it makes sense to me, but why do so many people shy away from it?

"It also really impresses our clients when they come through our doors that we have some great art. Let's face it, art is culture, culture is sophistication, and let's admit it that every body can appreciate some great art.....and some great culture, whether it is a Picasso or a Rembrandt, or some cool piece by an up and coming internationally acclaimed artist. For me -- it is the way to go, and an area where I do not skimp, and it has paid handsomely in dividends both financially, culturally and creatively. Color is another great factor; it helps to add something interesting or colorful to your work environment."

I have been to Microsoft and viewed their "collection of fine art" and found it interesting and unique, but it was not quite as impressive or colorful, as I expected it to be, especially when you think of the company, their image, the people behind the company, it's worldwide influence and prominence, etc.,  

Corporations, shopping malls, small businesses, retail stores, coffee shops, car dealers and even industrial businesses seem to benefit by having some humorous or whimsical art to talk about in their office, plant or waiting room.

For instance, I had a dentist who picked up five Robert Deyber lithographs for under $2,000.00. He was sick of the old tired art, designer art and blank walls that he had had in his office and waiting room for years. When he came in to the gallery, he told me he wanted to make his business and his waiting room more fun, a bit more engaging, and entertaining. I turned him on to a number of our artists that we represent, but he fell in love with the work of Robert Deyber.

Robert Deyber is world-class artist influenced by Belgium Surrealist Artist Renee Magritte. The art is dreamy and yet a simple style of surrealism. His inspirations come from euphemisms and common phrases, like "My Ass is on the Line,"  "Chick Magnet" or "Booze Hound." He is also very influenced by the early 30's painters, The "East Hudson School of Art" where the skies in all of his paintings play a powerful role.

Well the dentist didn't see the value of getting new art for his office or waiting room for years. He had built up a steady business and was by all means successful, but he felt that he could do more, in a sense -- give more back to his customer, and when he saw several humorous works in the gallery that made him laugh out loud, he literally said " I have to get these for my office and reception area."

To make a long story short, the Dentist came in two weeks later with a grin on his face and a sparkle in his eye. He said to me, "Steve, I have never had anyone laugh in my waiting room until I hung up those witty and fun Deyber lithographs I acquired from you two weeks ago. Now my staff and my customers love them, and I hear laughing in my waiting room every day. It helps to break the ice and encourages my clients to talk to the staff about the paintings -- which they absolutely love. The funny and amazing thing is that I am getting more referrals than I ever have, and to think that it is all thanks to adding some cool art to my waiting room. I wish I would have done it years ago."

That story made my day, and that is why I am in the fine art business, because I love what I do, and what I do, I know, makes a difference in people's lives. I was happy, he was happy, and his customers were laughing in his waiting room while they waited to get their teeth drilled. Wow, I thought, that's powerful. Needless to say, he bought ten more lithographs and two originals from me and is now looking at a large original for his entry space for his home and a powerful piece for over his fireplace.  Does fine art make a difference in your life or in your businesses life? You bet!

Copyright 2009 - All Rights Reserved Steve Setum artconnoisseur@aol.com

Robert Deyber will be appearing at Martin Lawrence Galleries Wednesday, February 4, 2009 5-9 PM for his one man show on his "Party Animal" American Tour. RSVP to Steve Setum at (425) 454-0222