Six Reasons to Invite Art into Your Life 5/6

We’ve all encountered those moments when someone asks, “So, what do you do?” When we’re under 70, our response often revolves around our jobs: “I’m a teacher, a bus driver, a caregiver, I work in marketing,” and so on. Once we transition to retirement, the typical answer becomes, “I’m retired.”

However, neither of these responses reveals much about the person behind their job title. It doesn’t reveal the hidden photographer, the quiet writer, the dancer, the musician, the junior football coach, or the film enthusiast, nor does it mention the art or antique collector.

Cultivating an interest in art and purchasing pieces from local galleries, art trails, and markets identifies you as a collector which is a more interesting topic of conversation. I know someone who invests significantly in affordable art for her home and as gifts, yet when asked what she “does,” she says she volunteers for local causes, dabbles in writing, and is a grandmother. To me, though, the most intriguing aspect of her life is her expanding collection of prints, originals, photography, and textiles, something she rarely shares.

Describing yourself as hardworking or “retired” often shuts down the conversation. But if you mention that you’re a modest art collector, a whole new world of dialogue can unfold. Many people enjoy exploring art markets and local galleries, giving you an opportunity to share experiences and perhaps invite them to join you. As an artist, my home brims with art: it’s the first thing guests comment on, which allows us to learn more about each other.

So, the next time someone asks, “So, what do you do?” be ready to share something about yourself that could lead to a much more interesting and revealing conversation.