How to start an art collection: an interview with art consultant Courtney Kass
Artwork: Rachel Mica Weiss / Photo: Tate O Hill
You’re settling into your newly furnished place. The custom sofa fits just right, the lighting is atmospheric, and the rugs underfoot feel luxurious.
Now that your space is set up, are empty walls leaving a void in the design?
Art is a critical component of a finished interior. Not only does it bring the design together, it also gives your home character and distinction. And just like you wouldn’t order cheap boxed wine to pair with your elegantly plated entrée at a fine restaurant, you won’t want mass produced commercial art reproductions downgrading the quality of your furniture investments. You’ll need something more elevated.
To help direct us toward accessing better original fine art, I’ve turned to Courtney Kass, founder of New York-based art consultancy boutique LE BENNETT. Courtney believes that buying art and building a collection should be accessible to more people. “Living with art is an attainable luxury; and I’d go so far as to suggest that it’s a priority,” she shares. “Art brings joy, personality, and emotion to a space. It is the detail that elevates your daily mood and experience.”
Starting an art collection is a rewarding experience. But it requires time and knowledge, so it’s important to do your research or to enlist the help of a trusted art consultant like LE BENNETT. Read on for my conversation with Courtney to see what she says about selecting artworks, building your art collection, and determining your personal style.
-Ksenya
Founder, Time & Place Interiors
About LE BENNETT and founder Courtney Kass:
Courtney Kass, founder of LE BENNETT Art Advisory. Artwork: Theo Pinto
LE BENNETT Art Advisory is a premier resource for paintings, photography, ceramics, textile works, and sculpture for residential and commercial projects. In 2020, LE BENNETT was created with the concept of partnering directly with artists to bring unique artwork and innovative names to the table, with a rotating roster of local and international contemporary talent.
Founder Courtney Kass is an art consultant who offers two decades of professional experience, including five years as a Director with Pace Gallery. Bridging the gap between artist and client, she aims to increase transparency around the art buying process. Courtney lives and works in New York.
Artwork: Sienna Martz / Photo: Tate O Hill
T&P: Hi Courtney. From your perspective as an art consultant, what role does art play in a home’s interior design?
CK: Visiting the homes of clients and friends, I witnessed impressive furniture and interior design partnered with “decor” art such as giclees, posters, or prints, which highlighted a significant missed opportunity in the art and design space. When it comes to fine art, clients often see collecting as a luxury and not a priority. However, when a furnished home is left with blank walls or if the art is of poor quality, the design falls flat.
My goal is to show clients that living with art is attainable and vital. If you are looking for a contemporary statement piece, or if you want to invest in art for your home, there are many ways to build an impressive art collection without breaking the bank. Building your personal art collection can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Artwork: Maja Dlugolecki
T&P: Can you share some tips for someone looking to start an art collection?
CK: Visit your local museums in person or look on the museum's website: go through their roster of artists and examples of the artists' past works. Sign up for museum newsletters to receive information about upcoming exhibitions and to stay in-the-know about art events.
Attend opening night receptions at popular art galleries, browse books about art history or your favorite artists, and follow artists on Instagram.
There is plenty of free knowledge out there. Most importantly, stay curious and enjoy exploring.
Artwork: Shayna Goodman / Design: Tusk Home + Design / Photo: Julie Leffell
T&P: How do you know if an artwork is right for you?
CK: Trust your instincts. When looking at artwork, if it speaks to you, go with it. Although there are objective elements such as talent and skill, art is also subjective. Your emotional connection to the work is as significant as the possible intended outcome that the artist had in mind. Most importantly, you live with the art you purchase, so invest in the piece that inspires you.
Artwork: Holly Addi
T&P: How do you determine how much to spend on art?
CK: Creating and working within your budget is important. However, don’t settle for a piece that you don't love. I suggest spending the most on your statement piece. This is usually a larger artwork placed in the main entertaining room, such as your living room, or in an entry. Then, "fill in the blanks" of the home with a range of artworks. Photography is an example of a popular option to balance your overall art budget.
Artwork: Erin Bird
T&P: Tell us about the benefits of working with an art consultant like LE BENNETT.
CK: An art consultant can help you access art that may be challenging for you to identify on your own. I spent years curating a list of talented artists who are photographers, painters, textile artists, and sculptors, and am thrilled to share my network with homeowners who are looking to build an art collection.
At LE BENNETT, we don’t just sell you artwork and walk away. We also advise on placement and installation. Our high touch service started with many new clients who weren’t sure about purchasing even one work, and now have a collection!
To get in touch with Courtney Kass at LE BENNETT for art consulting inquiries, email courtney@lebennett.com.
Elevating your home through art and design
Time & Place Interiors is a New York based design studio that mixes vintage + modern design with an artistic yet approachable manner. Through her access to antiques and her partnerships with art consultants representing contemporary artists, founder Ksenya Malina brings homeowners distinct designs that marry old and new. Use the link below to schedule a free 20-minute information call with Ksenya to discuss your interior design project:
