"Zip" - Allen Bentley
Bridgette Mayer is a girl according to my heart: strong, passionate, creative… We met several years ago when I fell in love with the art of Allen Bentley. How could I resist those beautiful paintings, full of sensuality, that represented dancers? When I first saw them I knew, I had to have one. I started with the beginner-art-buyer size… something not much bigger than my iPhone. It was all I could afford then and it was like a little treasure… A year later (and a better job stability in a decently paying company), I splurged. I bought the big-girl painting… the type you need A wall to showcase; and ever since, I never looked at it with an ounce of regret. It brightens up my days, puts a smile on my face and give me a sense of pride for owning something so beautiful.
Because I’m fascinated with Bridgette’s career and because I know fine art is not something anyone would splurge on that easily, I asked the gallery owner a few questions that I wanted to share with you.
Did you always want to work in art?
As a young girl I was very creative and was always making things and collecting things. When I got to college luckily my parents made me get a job to pay for books and my expenses. As an Art History major at Bucknell I decided to get a job in the art gallery at the University and fell in love with the work.
Tell me what influences you when you pick a new artist for your gallery?
My taste and intuition influence me when I pick a new artist. If I feel like I have found an incredibly talented and hot artist I will sign them on. Sometimes I watch artists for a few years to see how their work and talent will develop and if it will develop. If it does I usually sign them on.
How did it feel when you bought your first piece of art?
I bought my first piece of “real” grownup art during the first exhibition I curated in my gallery.
What was it?
It was an amazing collage by Rebecca Rutstein. I just had to have it and I had anxiety that someone else was going to buy it first. I realized, hey wait, this is my gallery and I can buy it first!! Since then I have bought many incredible works by the artists I represent and I am very proud of my collection. I plan on passing it on to my family and already have started that as I am addicted to collecting and I am running out of room!
What would you recommend to someone who is thinking about buying their first artwork?
Go for it but first make sure you buy from a respected gallery that has been open for a few years. Ask around and see what people think about the gallery program. Have the art dealer tell you why they represent the artist you are thinking about buying.
Which artist would you love to see on your home walls?
Jean Michel Basquiat
3 words:
Tea of coffee? Coffee!
I collect… The best contemporary art!
Favorite city? Paris
If those words triggered any questions, feel free to put them in the comment section and I’ll make sure to ask Bridgette. And to browse through wonderful art check Bridgette Mayer Gallery’s website.
