Collecting 101: A beginner's guide to starting your own art collection

MANILA, Philippines - There’s a stigma that comes with art: it's pretentious, for intellectuals, and inaccessible. Let's be honest, there’s always that one, boundlessly beautiful art piece that makes the news, sold at a record, jaw-dropping price, which leaves you disheartened by the whole business behind it.

Going local and obscure is a great way to start your collection. Lesser -known artists are a great buy for a beginner, so roam art galleries and scour for new talent. This is also the perfect way to slowly introduce yourself to the world of art, without spending way too much. Your first piece doesn’t need to be a rare antiquity or the work of a famous artist, it just needs to be something that appeals to you.

When choosing your first piece, definitely make sure you know what you like. Think of it as finding the perfect leather jacket to add to your wardrobe. It's got to have the right fit, and it has to feel good. You’re going to see it hanging every day, so make sure it's something you can live with. Sta. Lucia Land's Michelle Robles-De Castro has recently started collecting her first pieces as a new home owner, sharing the same sentiments. ”Art is an expression of oneself, thus, buying should also reflect who you are, and how you want to feel every time you see your piece. You have to know what type of art you want, what medium you prefer, or what era you're most attracted to.” If you’re not one for contemporary art, don’t go for a modern piece.

Veteran collector and artist Carlo Calma’s best tip for a start-up collection is making sure your artworks are close-knit — specializing in a certain medium or genre, and making an informed and cohesive selection gives more value to both your collection, and what it means to you. ”For me, I collect art, objects and things with a certain theme, particularly the themes of duality, twins and dichotomy — this started when I looked back at the pieces I bought through the years and saw some tendencies in my collections. ”

We may never own a Warhol or a Caravaggio, but starting your own, carefully curated art collection is a satisfying, if somewhat tricky, hobby. It's more than just canvases on walls — and if you’ve never thought of owning pieces before, Art Fair Philippines is the perfect place to start. Local talent, stunning artwork — a dream for a novice collector. — By Pamela Cortez