expert advice

Expert Advice: Chelsea Neman of The Tappan Collective.

For many of us, our offices are where we spend the bulk of our day — so why not strive to make our experience there as pleasant as possible? Here, I’ll ask fellow creatives (who are experts in their fields) for tips on how to live happily, healthily, and heartily — at work. 

Today: Chelsea Neman, co-founder of web-based art gallery The Tappan Collective shares tips on how to curate a collection that's personal, meaningful, and workspace-friendly.

Hi Chelsea and Jordan!

Hi Chelsea and Jordan!

dani arps x tappan collective
dani arps x tappan collective

1. Buy with your eyes, not with your ears. “Art is a very personal thing,” says Chelsea. “You should never buy a piece just because you heard you should.  Art is more than just a monetary investment. Every collection should be unique and representative of the personality and ethos of your company — curating that first collection should take time, and a lot of careful thought.” And just how does one go about deciding which pieces are the right fit? “Remember that it’s okay to ask questions about the artist and the work,” says Chelsea. “Learn about the artists you’re considering investing in. You’ll not only learn more about the collection, it’ll make it easier to pull the trigger on purchases that feel right, too.”

2. Know that great art comes at a variety of price points. “A great collection of art doesn't necessarily require millions of dollars.here are amazing pieces available at a range of price points. What really matters is whether the art speaks to you, and whether they make sense in the context of what the company’s about.” 

3.  Observe — and ask questions, always. Purchasing art can be intimidating, Chelsea, admits. But the more you know, the better informed your purchases will be. “I recommend diving right in and getting involved,” she says. “Go to galleries, walk through museums, pay attention to what makes your heart skip a beat. That’s how you’ll develop your palate and become more comfortable making curatorial choices for your workspace. Think: who am I building this collection for? Is it meant to represent the company, or the people who work here? Once you decide on a direction, you can build from there."

Thank you so much, Chelsea! Visit The Tappan Collective online, here