How to buy original yet affordable art with Return on Art
‘Hercules Light’ by Daniele Fortuna, one of the stunning original pieces I chose from Return on Art’s collection…
If, like us at Stella + the Stars HQ, you're a massive art lover but don't have an unlimited budget to give in to your cravings for original art, then you're going to be all over this post, trust me.
The sometimes stuffy, intimidating vibe of traditional galleries can be a put-off to newbie art buyers looking for that affordable gem.
So I am a tiny bit excited to introduce Return on Art - an online art gallery that opens the doors into a new dimension of art collecting platforms. I have teamed up with them to inspire you to start collecting original art that makes your heart sing without breaking the bank! Their mission is ‘to make collecting art more exciting and more accessible while supporting talented artists from all over the world’. The idea is to ‘revive the idea of collecting art; make it cool, personal, part of a lifestyle and cultivate an interest in the art, especially in younger generations’.
The brainchild of Amir Akta, the virtual gallery's founder, Return on Art is like the perfect compromise between a physical and virtual gallery and I am so happy to be collaborating with them. The features that really make Return on Art stand out from the crowd are: affordable original artworks exclusive to the website; weekly curated collections handpicked by the Return on Art team; and a Art Match quiz - Tinder style! - that helps you find your style and generates a personalised selection of artworks, tailored to your taste. One of the big draws for me as well is the fact that their commission on the artworks is pretty low (25%, which is roughly half of what a traditional gallery would charge) meaning the artists get more from the sales of their work.
To celebrate our collaboration, Return on Art is offering you, lovely Stella + the Stars readers, an exclusive discount - 10% off any purchase via their website by entering the code STELLA10 at checkout. Click here to start browsing.
(Please note this discount is valid on any artworks except the ones by artist Golsa Golchini)
From the artists’ perspective, Return on Art also provides a platform for young upcoming artists to boost their careers and portfolio while giving them access to a brand new market they'd never be able to tap into using the traditional gallery route. It's very simple, but pretty effective.
Return on Art asked me to select my favourite artworks - the ones that made my heart skip a beat - to have in my own home. There isn't anything I wouldn't personally buy on the site at the moment but I will introduce you to the artists I chose.
The first pieces I fell in love with are by Italian artist Daniele Fortuna. His work is absolutely incredible. I am totally obsessed with how he’s mixed the traditional aspect of Italian sculpture with pop art to create these unique statues - each is made of individual layers of wood that are cut by hand, assembled like a puzzle and hand painted in neon colours.
I initially selected one of his bright and colourful busts but it got sold out before I could confirm my choice. It was meant to be as, shortly after, this beauty, ‘Hercules Light’ appeared on the website. It just spoke to me and I could already visualise it in my own space. This is how you should choose art. By letting your gut and heart fall in love with a piece and make the decision for your brain. For me, as an interior designer, the fact that the artwork can also be used as lighting is the icing on the cake.
I asked Daniele what the story behind Hercules Light was: “It represents the idea that it is not necessarily important for the sculpture to be colourful, it is important that it brings color into the world. When it is switched on, the piece ignites an explosion that will color everything that surrounds it.” You can read the full interview with Daniele at the end of this post.
The second piece I chose is from Polish artist Malwina Puszcz. Another total ‘coup de foudre’ for me. Her abstract, geometric pieces with 3D effect are a riot of vibrant colours and simply stole my heart. You know I am a ‘gallery wall’ girl at heart but I have always dreamed of owning an oversized original art piece and this is such a stunning work that feels very me. And how beautifully does it pop against the teal wall?
What do you think of my selection? And how do you feel about buying original art, from brilliant up and coming artists, online without the gallery price tag? Sold yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Don’t forget Return on Art is offering an exclusive discount - 10% off any purchase via their website by entering the code STELLA10 at checkout. Click here to start browsing.
(Please note this discount is valid on any artworks except the ones by artist Golsa Golchini)
Q&A with Daniele Fortuna
What inspired you to mix the traditional aspect of Italian sculpture with a colourful pop art touch?
Classical culture is part of the traditions of my country; classical culture is seen as something unattainable - my intent was to make something that is so ethereal and distant from us into something more that is popular and accessible.
The colors, the integrated phrases, the cutting of the figures to my liking, makes everything more tangible and contemporary, something which can resonate with the viewer today.
What is the starting point of a new piece? Do you plan the colour palette in advance, or do you just go with the flow once you start sculpting the pieces?
My creative vision originates at night when I am not being influenced by everything around me. In the silence of the night in my bed the creative phase begins, and it is there that in my mind the figures start to form, and the process of creation begins. The vision becomes so strong that it remains imprinted in my mind and I do not need sketches to start the process.
How has the absolute madness of 2020 impacted your work?
The year 2020 fuelled me or rather made my art explode. Perhaps because everything else was standing still, I began to move more quickly when it comes to my art.
How has Return on Art helped you reach a new audience of potential buyers?
RoA was the beginning of everything; they are the people who believed in my work and turned that fire inside me into a blaze; they are the people with whom I have the best collaboration and I am grateful for the relationship we have built over time.