A Guide to Collecting Hawaii Art in 2024
"To collect art is to collect the world."
Art collecting can be a rewarding and enriching hobby for people of all ages. It enables us to engage meaningfully with different cultures, histories, and aesthetics. If you want to collect Hawaii art, you're in for a treat. The art scene in Hawaii is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the state's distinct mix of indigenous, Asian, and Western influences. There is something for every taste and budget, from traditional paintings and sculptures to surfboard art and mixed media pieces, even gyotaku art! In this article, we will delve into the exciting world of collecting Hawaii art, providing tips and resources for locating and purchasing the perfect pieces for your collection. We hope you find this guide useful and inspiring, whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of art.
Why do people collect hawaii art?
Art is collected for a variety of reasons. One factor is people's enjoyment of aesthetics, or the pleasure they get from seeing and experiencing beauty. This can include both the pleasure of looking at a relaxing piece of Hawaii art and the satisfaction of owning and displaying it.
The beauty of the Hawaiian Islands inspires many artists, and many collectors appreciate Hawaii art purely for its aesthetic value or how they feel when they look at it. Artists such as Lauren Roth create Hawaii artwork with the intention of making the viewer happy and peaceful. Collecting Hawaii art is an excellent way to bring some of the relaxing beauty of Hawaii into your home, no matter where you live.
Art collecting can also be used to express one's personal identity and values. People can use art to communicate something about themselves to others by collecting art that reflects their interests, passions, or beliefs. If you enjoy surfing, you might enjoy collecting Hawaii surf art, or if you prefer to spend your time at the beach, you might enjoy collecting Hawaii seascapes or beach art. Collecting Hawaii art is an excellent way to express your passion for travel, culture, or simply spending time with friends and family in Hawaii.
Collecting art may also provide a sense of accomplishment and pride, especially if the collection takes time, effort, and resources to build. Exploring Hawaii art galleries, museums, markets, and boutiques to find Hawaii art that you like is a fun and rewarding hobby. Hawaii has a thriving creative community, and there are opportunities to attend Hawaii art events and visit Hawaii art destinations throughout the year. It can take time to find unique Hawaii art that you like, but it's a fun process that is always worthwhile when you find the perfect new piece to add to your collection.
Finally, collecting art can help people connect with others who share common interests. Collecting Hawaii art is a great way to meet people who share your enthusiasm for the islands and may introduce you to a new artist or art style that you enjoy. Many Hawaii art collectors are members of clubs or societies where they can discuss and learn about art with others who share their interests.
How do I start my Hawaii Art Collection?
It can be challenging to know where to start when there are so many distinct Hawaii artists and art forms to pick from. Here are some of our best recommendations for beginning a collection of Hawaii art!
- Establish a focus: Decide on the theme of your Hawaii art collection before anything else. This could be a certain medium or style, such as plein air or watercolor painting, a particular theme, such as seascape paintings, rainbow paintings, surf art, or something unique to you, like work that depicts various favorite locations or landmarks you have visited in Hawaii. Having a focus will guide you in choosing the pieces to add to your Hawaii art collection. As you learn more about Hawaii art you may find new styles or subject matter that you are drawn to. Keep an open mind and seek out opportunities to experience new Hawaii art whenever possible.
- Decide on a budget (and stick to it!): Decide how much you are willing to spend on each item. This will enable you to create a collection that is both meaningful and practical. Don't worry if your budget is limited - there are many affordable ways to collect art. Original Hawaii art can be purchased for under $1000, or consider collecting fine art prints for a more affordable way to build your Hawaii art collection. Archival quality giclée prints can last a lifetime and be a great investment.
- Do your homework: Before purchasing a piece, spend some time learning about the creator and the piece. Look through the artist's prior works, shows, and awards, and read about their influences and creative choices. Knowing the story behind a piece of Hawaii art can make your collection more meaningful, and help you view the art through the eyes of the artist.
- Find reliable sources for Hawaii art: Buy from respectable Hawaii art dealers, galleries, and auction houses. These sources can give you information on the piece's provenance and other crucial details and are more likely to have authenticated the artwork.
- Develop your eye: Train your eye by visiting Hawaii art galleries, museums, and art fairs. Pay close attention to the elements that grab your attention, such as the composition, color scheme, and technique - and then learn more about these elements so that you can discover even more Hawaii art you enjoy.
- Keep track of your Hawaii art collection: As you add pieces to your Hawaii art collection, keep records of the artist, title, medium, size, and date of each work. You might also include a few remarks about what you like about the artwork, what prompted your decision to buy it, or how the artist described the piece. As your Hawaii art collection grows these records can help you remember and relive the joyful experience of purchasing each piece.
What should I look for when buying Hawaii art?
When buying a piece of Hawaii art, there are several factors you may want to consider in order to make an informed decision:
- Style and subject matter: Do you prefer abstract or realistic art? Landscapes, seascapes, or figurative art? Make sure the art you choose fits your personal style and preferences. If you are drawn to a particular Hawaii art style or subject, you will be more likely to enjoy the piece over the long term.
- Quality: Look for pieces that are well-crafted, with attention to detail and good technique. This is especially important if you are buying from an emerging artist or if you plan to invest in the piece.
- Condition: Make sure the piece is in good condition, without any major damages or repairs. It is also a good idea to find out if the piece has been restored or if it has any condition issues that may affect its value.
- Authenticity: If you are buying from a reputable dealer, they should be able to provide you with information about the artist and the piece's provenance. This can help you ensure that the piece is authentic and that you are paying a fair price.
- Value: Consider the price of the piece in relation to the artist's market value and the overall quality of the work. It may be worth paying more for a piece by a well-established artist or for a particularly high-quality work.
- Personal significance: Ultimately, the most important factor may be how much the piece speaks to you personally. Choose a work that you will enjoy looking at and that has meaning for you. Even if it is not a "masterpiece," if it brings you joy and enriches your life, it is worth considering.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when buying a piece of art and choose a work that you will love and value for years to come.
Where can I buy hawaii art?
Hawaii has a lively art scene and there are many places to view, learn about, and buy Hawaii art.
ART GALLERIES
There are many Hawaii art galleries that showcase the work of local and international artists. These galleries are a great place to see a wide range of art and to speak with knowledgeable staff about the pieces on display. You may also be able to find work by Hawaii artists outside of Hawaii - you can often find a list of galleries where artists are represented on their website, and many coastal galleries in places like California will feature Hawaii art.
HAWAII ART FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Hawaii is home to numerous art fairs and festivals, such as the Hawaii State Art Museum's annual art fair and the annual Honolulu Festival. These events are a great opportunity to see and purchase art from a variety of local and visiting artists. Local art markets such as the Aloha Home Markets are a great way to discover emerging artists and speak to them in person about their art.
ONLINE MARKETPLACES
There are many online marketplaces that feature art from artists in Hawaii and around the world. These sites allow you to browse and purchase art from the comfort of your own home. At 808Arts.com we are proud to work closely with Hawaii artists to curate and design their 808Arts collections, so you can rest assured that your purchase will directly benefit the artist.
ARTISTS' STUDIOS
Many artists in Hawaii have their own studios where they create and sell their work. Visiting an artist's studio can be a unique and personal way to purchase art and to learn more about the artist's process.
HAWAII ART MUSEUMS
Some art museums in Hawaii, such as the Honolulu Museum of Art, have gift shops that sell art-related items, including prints and reproductions of works in their collections.
By exploring these different options, you can find a wide range of Hawaii art to choose from and directly support local artists. For even more resources check out our Hawaii Art Destinations page, or our Hawaii Art Events Calendar.
One of the best parts of collecting Hawaii art is knowing that your purchase not only supports the artist, but helps support the entire Hawaii art community as well. While there are many places to buy art online, buying Hawaii art from artists or from the galleries who represent them is the best way to have a positive impact on the community and create a truly special Hawaii art collection.
Where can I learn more about collecting Hawaii art?
There are many resources available for learning about Hawaii art and Hawaii artists. Art museums and galleries are great places to start - and don't be afraid to ask questions about pieces that interest you! The Honolulu Museum of Art offers educational tours regularly, and the Hawaii State Art museum even has a virtual tour.
If you would prefer to stay outside and enjoy the tropical climate while you learn about Hawaii art, head over to the Kakaako Street Art District in Honolulu and enjoy the colorful murals and local atmosphere. Another great outdoor art venue is Art on the Zoo Fence which is hosted Saturdays and Sundays outside the Honolulu Zoo. Not only is Art on the Zoo Fence conveniently located in Waikiki, t's a fun opportunity to meet artists in person and learn more about their artwork.
There are numerous websites and online galleries that feature Hawaii art and information about Hawaii artists. Some good places to start include the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the Honolulu Museum of Art's website, and the websites of individual artists.Consider taking a tour of local art studios or galleries, or attending a workshop or class led by a Hawaii artist. This can be a great way to learn about the Hawaii art and artists firsthand.
Finally, consider reaching out to local artists and art enthusiasts in Hawaii to learn more about the art scene in the state. They may be able to point you towards additional resources or provide insights into the local art community.
Now that you know how to start your Hawaii art collection, why not check out some of the great artwork available on 808Arts.com? Below are some of our most popular Hawaii art collections.