Finds under £500 with JM Finn

My advice to young artists is to learn to draw and experiment with as many different mediums as you can. I’d tell my younger self that great artists create change in the world. It’s not an easy career path, so in order to set yourself up for success, get clear on why you create and don’t ever believe that you aren’t “good enough”. I believe that a great artist is someone who is able to change the way people think and feel, through stories they evoke, through the art they create.

Collecting art is personal, go with what you love and can afford even if it begins with a print. Then continue to ask yourself: what is it exactly that I love about this work, and why is that important to me? Do this, because art evokes your own unique memories and desires, and once you can pinpoint the exact answers to these questions your art collection becomes so much more than simply a beautiful ‘picture’.

“Art evokes your own unique memories and desires, and once you can pinpoint the exact answers to these questions your art collection becomes so much more than simply a beautiful ‘picture’.”

We would tell early career artists not to worry about the finished piece, focus on the process of making. You have no control in how the viewer of your work will interpret it, so don’t be afraid to lose control in making it.

A collector needs to learn to appreciate good paintings and prints through the way they are made. We love process, so falling in love with the ‘quick and chancy’ method of screen printing, seeing the differences in an edition of linocut prints or the texture of a painting in the flesh is part of collecting. Plus it should be disapproved of by at least one visitor to your home – all good art was once cool and offensive to someone!

We think what makes great artists are those who don’t give a (insert rude word here), who have more than one idea, who are not afraid to have fun, who are immediately recognisable by their style, who experiment and who are print hooligans (that’s us!)

My advice to young artists is to find their interests and passions in making their art, and master their craft by going on courses and researching favourite artists. It can be a competitive world, so put yourself out there: use social media, join art groups, submit work for exhibitions and so on. Work hard, persevere and be true to yourselves, not just to the latest trends.

I would tell my younger self to be practical and to find a job first to earn a living. Do not expect to sell your work immediately – success is not linear. Find the time to keep honing your skills and producing your art in your spare time.

I collect art and find that there has to be an instant connection between artist and buyer. I consider how the work will look in the home, and finding the right space for it to breathe. One has to love the work and not get bored with it, and being able to see different aspects of it in depth every day.

My advice for young artists would be to make art, document your work, go to galleries, talk to artists, experience as much art as you can, travel, look, explore, and believe in yourself. I’d tell my younger self to enjoy it! And make the best work you can; know that it’s the journey not the destination. A great artist is someone that reaches your heart or emotions and makes you feel something.

With my own collecting, I try to support emerging artists through buying their artworks; I also have several pieces I’ve been lucky enough to be gifted by friends. I have a mixture of abstract pieces (I love the work of Emma Stone Johnson) and figurative works – including by British artist Caroline Walker. I’ve also got some sculptural pieces, including a beautiful kinetic sculpture by Claire Knill (@inthemakingmade). Most recently I’ve bought a couple of NFTs as I’ve been part of some really fun digital projects. I buy what I love and what I can afford! Be spontaneous, and buy what your instincts tell you, you won’t regret it.

“Be spontaneous, and buy what your instincts tell you – you won’t regret it.”