Astrid Van den Bosch
Buying your first piece of art can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re entering a world of expression, craftsmanship, and emotion — where what you choose to live with says something profound about who you are. At The Lane, we believe art shouldn’t just decorate a wall; it should really reflect a connection between the artist’s vision and your own sense of curiosity and identity.
Here are five things we always come back to when talking with first-time buyers:
1. Start With a Conversation, Not a Purchase
Art collecting begins with listening and looking closely at a piece and noticing what draws you in. Forget for a moment about “investment value” or trends. Ask yourself: What am I feeling? What story is being told here, and why does it matter to me?
At The Lane, we encourage approaching art as dialogue rather than décor. We are here to guide, not to rush. Take your time to learn about the artist’s process, materials, and inspirations. These details transform your choice from a transaction into a relationship—one built on understanding and respect for the creative journey.
2. Trust what draws you in. Subtle responses are often the strongest.
Collectors often think that they need some sort of art training to buy wisely. The truth is, your intuition is your best guide. If a piece keeps pulling you back for a second or third look, pay attention to that. Art is meant to challenge and comfort in equal measure — its power lies in that tension. The sign of a meaningful work is resonance: something in it feels timeless to 'you'. Trend cycles come and go, but genuine connection endures.
3. Know the Story Behind the Work
Learn the artist’s story, process and intention deepen connection. Every artist at The Lane creates within a framework of integrity and process-driven exploration. We don't curate based on certain criteria nor spectacle, we curate because we love and for substance.
So, when buying your first piece, learn its context: where it came from, how it was made, and why it exists. Owning art becomes all the more rewarding when you understand the creative philosophy behind it. You’re not just acquiring an object—you’re continuing an artist’s story, allowing their ideas to live within your space and daily life.
4. Start where it feels comfortable... size and price don’t define significance.
So, if you begin small, do it with Intention. You don’t need to start with a large or expensive work. Begin with something that feels right for your environment and budget. Small-format prints, sketches, or other original works on paper can be accessible ways to start your collection. As your eye evolves, so will your confidence. Building a personal art collection isn’t about accumulation — it’s about curating meaning over time.
5. A Reflection of You
Art is an act of intimacy: the ability to recognize part of yourself mirrored in another’s creation. When you make that connection, you’re no longer just a buyer — you’re a collaborator in an ongoing artistic conversation. At The Lane, we celebrate that connection above all else. Buying your first piece isn’t about owning art—it’s about engaging with it deeply enough to let it change you.
Collecting rarely begins with certainty. It begins with curiosity, and one thoughtful choice.