To support this, I guide clients through a series of conversations and exercises designed to clarify their visual preferences and deepen their understanding of what resonates with them. I also encourage engagement with the broader art ecosystem: attending gallery vernissages, visiting institutional and university exhibitions, and exploring artists and galleries online. Platforms such as Instagram have become valuable tools for discovering a wide range of contemporary practices.
Most importantly, I underscore that there is no urgency. Collecting should unfold organically, without pressure or imposed timelines. Much like developing a literary or musical taste, it involves identifying works that one wishes to live with, works that enrich a space, inspire reflection, and articulate something meaningful about one’s perspective.
Recently, though, I felt like I had failed at communicating this.
After working closely with a client - discovering and developing their aesthetic through exercises, collaborating with a designer on their condo redesign, and attending several art events together, I felt confident presenting a selection of works for a key space in their home: the entrance.
I sent a few pieces I believed would resonate. Their response was:
“Apologies for the slow reply. The first one is my least favourite. The other two I like better. Part of my trouble is that I think I am hoping for works that have meaning to me. I should probably let go of that.”
That stopped me cold, because that is exactly the opposite of how I want anyone to feel when engaging with art.
My reply was immediate: the desire for meaning is not only valid—it is essential. The most enduring collections are built on personal connection, not compromise.
There is no pressure in this process. The objective is not simply to acquire, but to connect. Each work should resonate on some level, whether intuitively or intellectually, and contribute to a broader personal narrative.
As always, I encourage clients to take their time, to reflect, and to engage with art both in person and digitally. Local galleries such as De Montigny Contemporary, Galerie St-Laurent + Hill, Wallspace, and Central Art Garage remain excellent places to encounter work firsthand and refine one’s perspective.
