Meet Caiger Art

We’re delighted to talk to Carol Caiger, Director and Owner of Caiger Art based in Surrey in the UK. Carol believes in the healing power of art and has kindly shared with us what motivates her as well as introducing us to their roster of passionate artists. 

Carol has made it her mission to help art lovers find the perfect artwork since 2013 and has a wealth of experience bridging the gap between artists and buyer. Read on to learn more and be sure to check out Caiger Art’s Affordable Online Art Fair dedicated viewing room.

Hi Carol, what is Caiger Art most excited about bringing to our second online edition of The Affordable Online Art Fair?

I am so excited to be bringing incredible artwork to The Affordable Online Art Fair. My artists are passionate about their work and this comes through clearly in the quality and creativeness of each piece. It’s been a tough time for artists (and clients!) with not being able to attend art fairs, so it is lovely to get the ball rolling again with this second online edition.

An aesthetic focus of Caiger Art is artworks with multiple layers, built up over time. What draws you to works that use gradual techniques?

I have always been drawn to texture and layers, so it wasn’t a complete surprise to realise that all my artists have this in common! I love the way each layer is added and either covers the one underneath to form a different colour or goes on to provide a raised 3D texture. Sometimes the layers are added and then taken away which adds yet another dimension. I think the different layers of paint or paper bring something new to an artwork that can be appreciated every time you look at it.

We particularly love your artist Fintan Whelan’s work which exemplifies dynamic gestural art making processes. How long have you worked with Fintan and what is his art inspired by? 

I have been working with Fintan Whelan for a couple of years now and what first drew me to his work were the free-flowing layers of paint and oil that were seemingly serendipitous. Fintan’s art has a feeling of immediacy and urgency but is far from random. His artistic method involves continuous assessment, measurement and configuration of the varnishes, paint and oils. Inspired by his environment, Fintan is fascinated by organic forms, textures, shadows, movement and capturing energy, which he interprets so wonderfully in his work.

With Affordable Art Fair being an advocate of wellbeing and the importance of creativity in our life, there are so many artists in your roster that call out to us. Rod McIntosh, Rachel Newton, Caroline Banks and Jules Allan to name a few. How important do you feel art is to our wellbeing?

I have always been a firm believer in the healing power of art, whether it is helping the creator to heal mentally or physically or allowing the viewer to feel calm and reflective.

Wellbeing is a huge influence for many of my artists. Rod McIntosh and Caroline Banks have returned to representing the ensō, or zen circle, in their works. The circle symbolises so much in life, the circle of life and the perfect state of enlightenment. I love the way my artists start their creativity with meditation and ritual —not a bad way for us all to start our day. 

Art therapy plays a big part in Rachel Newton and Jules Allan’s life and it is great to see it helping the viewer too. Both artists reflect a passion for using art as a way of giving form to what is unformulated: expressing things that can feel too hard to put into words.

Picasso says, “art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life”; a sentiment I totally agree with.  There is nothing better than standing in front of an artwork you love to take your emotions on a journey.

You put a lot of effort into supporting both your clients and your artists, being the link to help connect each with the other. Why do you think galleries continue to be such a cornerstone in the art world?

A gallery is so important for both the client and the artist. For the client they are able to establish a good relationship with a gallery that they trust and feel comfortable with. I get to know my clients well. It is not all just about buying artwork and leaving it at that but rather continuing the relationship. I am happy to say many of my clients will ask me for friendly advice on artwork for their home, particularly when they are starting out on their art collecting journey. No question is too small! Even seasoned returning clients, like to know the full background to the artwork or pick up tips on collecting art. 

A gallery is important for artists too. I can talk to clients about artwork with enthusiasm and knowledge because of the close relationship I have with my artists. Another important factor is, of course, that I am here to help and support them in their work and career. Everyone has to be a marketer nowadays, but I like to take the pressure off the artist by promoting their work and showing it to clients, as it means they can get on with what they do best, making art! 

If you were to give one tip to visitors to The Affordable Online Art Fair, who are considering taking the plunge and purchasing a work, what would it be?

My main tip would be to trust your instincts. If you fall in love with an artwork, listen to your heart and buy it, don’t talk yourself out of it because when it’s gone, it’s gone!

We couldn’t agree more with Carol and as artworks are flying off our digital walls, be sure to check out Caiger Art’s selection of works available in The Affordable Online Art Fair. 

The Affordable Online Art Fair opened to the public on Friday 9 April and runs throughout the month until 3 May. After the success of the first virtual fair, the second instalment brings together a roster of 50 new hand-picked galleries from 13 countries, each with a dedicated viewing room hosted on the Affordable Art Fair online marketplace. With artwork prices starting from £50 – £6,000 and featured work from emerging talent through to established names, there will be something to suit every taste, space and spend!

Main image: Rachel Newton, Illuminating Footprints, mixed media, £1,800, Caiger Art