Yesterday I went to see an exhibition by two local artists, Sarah Gamble and Pippa Hamilton, in Ilkley. Although I have known Sarah for some time I had never encountered Pippa before. Both of them work in textiles, although in very different ways, and it is clear that they have a close friendship and collaboration. Although I have no general interest in textiles as a medium I left the show having bought a picture.
This is, of course, the only situation in which you should buy art. The sudden impulse which says to you, “Buy this …. or else!” is a pretty sound guide to art purchase. Don’t do it in order to be kind. Certainly never do it in order to have on your walls work by a well-known name. Don’t buy a work just because it is a good example of something. Buy art because you are convinced in that moment that you will not forgive yourself if you don’t. In an ideal world you should not find it necessary to justify your purchase.