Collecting Basics: Introduction Why should I collect art? Phoebe Brunner Looking at art can jolt you out of habitual ways of seeing, and give you a fresh perspective on the world. Art stimulates and challenges your mind, transforming even ordinary objects into catalysts for inspiration. Like a lesson in Zen philosophy, art teaches us to be present in the moment. It reminds us to come up for air, and take a look at the view beyond our own horizons. Expectations can backfire It's natural and human to be disappointed when our experience doesn't match our expectations. It happens all the time, from dating to dining. When it comes to art too, we may be suspicious of what's new. And as long as we expect contemporary art to be a comfortable reproduction of an idealized world, we will be disappointed. An open mind is all you need Tom Nussbaum Whether we're meeting new people or encountering art, an open mind enriches the experience. Once you've opened yourself to the experience of contemporary art, look at as much artwork as possible. You'll find that art today is a mirror of our culture and values, just as art has been throughout history. We should expect art to be as chaotic, complex, and challenging as our lives are. Go ahead — read between the lines Our own lives and history are an important component in understanding art. Many artists today require the active participation of the viewer. Instead of telling an entire story in each artwork, sometimes they only provide us with a few clues to prompt our imaginations. As our imaginations grow and evolve, so does our understanding of art. "I don't know anything about art, but I know what I like." Timothy Chapman This cliché sums up how many people feel about art. But knowledge of art and personal taste do not necessarily conflict with one another. In fact, they are closely related. Our tastes are not only unique — they are constantly evolving. (Consider how dated the clothes, music, and food you preferred in high school seem to you today.) Our tastes evolve when we come in contact with new experiences and information. The more we experience and learn, the more we evolve. Art Smart is dedicated to this concept. The great unknown Alfred Harris Art that is outside of our normal experience may seem difficult or challenging at first. But rather than allowing yourself to be intimidated by unfamiliar art, consider it a stimulus. Learning about this novel sort of art can contribute to the evolution of our personal taste, and can deepen our appreciation of the art that we already know and enjoy. Who says you're not an expert? Ellen Kahn Take a minute to look at the topics listed above at the left, and choose one. Each is a self-contained unit that can increase your knowledge and appreciation of art. They can be read in any order. Once you have learned more about different contemporary styles, subjects, techniques, and media, you will view the works in our catalog from an entirely fresh perspective. Try pulling together a collection of the works you like, using the "My Collection" feature — you may be surprised how your own taste evolves. Click on any image on this page to learn more about the artwork. Next: Quality — How do I decide what is great art?