HAPPY 2012!

My first blog installment for 2012 and wishing you all a very happy New Year! I love the opportunities of a fresh start that a new year brings and even though we are a long way away from spring, I already feel that sense of optimism of new beginnings and heading away from all that was last year.

We seem to have hit the ground running and have lots of work to do already,  so it would seem that I am not alone in renewed energy for action and change. This morning I have taken in a huge reframing job updating the frame on a beautiful seascape that had been entirely engulfed by its whopping gilt frame. It will have a much more contemporary yet still classic combination of framing in very neutral greys that will far better suit its modern environment. The great gilt frame will not be wasted though as we will have a bevelled mirror cut for it and it can become appreciated purely for its own beauty.

I keep reading about buying and collecting art for various reasons, mostly as an enjoyable way of investing that can be better trusted than elsewhere in our current climate. I was asked the other day about how to start a collection and my answer was quite simple to begin with perhaps small pieces and be bold guided by your personal reaction to art and what you feel would bring you pleasure over time. try to see as many show as possible, talk to gallery owners and artists as they will always be open to giving advice and help. Most artists also produce prints and this can be a much more affordable way to begin a collection. I am always happy to visit your home to get a feel of the space and then to assist in sourcing artwork for the scheme in terms of colour and scale, artistic style or desired concept, for example modern British printmakers or bold abstract work (see below works by Victor Pasmore, Monica MacDonald and Michael Stokoe)

We will be away for a week to refresh and renew our outlook and will bring you some ideas from the Kenyan Coast in ten days time. Fingers crossed, terrorist threats, forecast thunderstorms and Somali pirates notwithstanding! Until then here are some beautiful little collages from Lewes Artist Jo Lamb appropriately entitled Flying to Mombasa , Flying to Nairobi, and Wriggly Angels. See you on the flip side!