Sometimes, you know the moment you see it.
It might be a color that reminds you of a place you love, a texture that draws you in, or simply a feeling you can’t quite explain. You may not know exactly why a particular piece speaks to you. You just feel a connection.
I believe that’s when art begins to become yours.
As philosopher John Dewey wrote, “Every art communicates because it expresses. It enables us to share vividly and deeply in meanings.” I think that is one of the beautiful things about living with art. Its meaning can grow and change with you, becoming connected to your own memories, experiences, and emotions.
I experienced this with a painting that was given to me by my dear friend and artist, Betty-Lou Loeffler. At first glance, it is a simple painting of flowers in a vase, a familiar subject that could easily be overlooked. But to me, it was so much more. The moment I saw it, I found myself smiling. What drew me in was the lightness and joy the painting evokes. The colors, simplicity, and composition felt so uplifting and full of life. There was something about it that immediately made me feel good. That was when I knew.
And over time, it has come to mean so much more to me. Every time I look at it, I see Betty-Lou. I remember her and her lovely daughters, who have become family to me, her beautiful art studio, the time I spent there, and all the memories connected to her and her art. The painting can transport me back in an instant, as if it were yesterday. And somehow, that little painting continues to inspire me. It reminds me where it all started, why I love creating, and motivates me to keep painting, experimenting, and making art in different shapes and forms.
That is the magic of finding a piece that feels like yours.
It doesn’t have to be the most expensive piece in the room or even the most dramatic. It simply has to mean something to you. It might remind you of someone you love, bring back a cherished memory, make you feel peaceful, or inspire you every time you walk past it. Once a piece finds its way into your home, it becomes part of your story. You bring your own meaning to it, and over time, that meaning becomes part of the artwork itself.
Of course, for some collectors, value is an important part of the decision. The price of a piece, the artist’s reputation, its rarity, provenance, or its potential to appreciate over time can all be meaningful considerations when choosing artwork. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Collecting art can be both deeply personal and a thoughtful investment. Sometimes we are drawn to a piece because we love it, sometimes because we see its potential, and often, it’s a little bit of both. What makes collecting art so rewarding is that there is no single reason for choosing a piece. It is ultimately about what makes it meaningful to you.
Take a moment to explore my available artwork in my online shop and see what draws you in. I hope you’ll discover something that brings back a memory, inspires you, or simply makes you pause and smile. And perhaps you’ll find a piece that doesn’t just belong in your home, but belongs in your story.