Attorneys Value Art
By Kimberly Southam Kimberly Southam Snow is the director of Southam Gallery, which was voted Best Gallery in Utah in 2013 by American Art Awards. She received her bachelor’s degree in history of art from the University of Utah, where she later taught art. She is a corporate art lecturer. She is also a corporate art adviser for First Security Bank in Utah, Idaho and New Mexico, and for Wells Fargo Bank in Utah. Many people living in Utah might be surprised to know, some of the best artwork ever created by Utah artists, will not be found in museums, but in Utah law firms. I have firsthand knowledge having been a “latchkey gallery kid.” From the time I was 12, I witnessed a plethora of law related characters from judges to attorneys coming by and enjoying the artwork at my mother’s, downtown Salt Lake, art gallery; Southam Gallery. In fact, looking back, I have to hand it to the attorney’s of Utah, a lot of their support kept our business going, and we are now in our 31st year. |
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Why more Attorneys Collect Art Than Other Professionals
Interestingly, the question I have pondered for years: “Why do some attorneys seem to value artwork so much more, than many of the other professional people we have dealt with over the years?” Quite possibly, attorneys ascribe to a more Renaissance-person type of living; the liberal arts being the background of so many. They realize the importance of art. Irving Stone said, “Art’s a staple. Like bread or wine or a warm coat in winter. Those who think it is a luxury have only a fragment of a mind.”
Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in this idea that attorneys have a lot in common with artists. Both attorneys and artists live a life expressing their viewpoint. They spend years developing their style and honing their skills in order to clearly communicate their individual viewpoints. And, it is through those individual styles that they set themselves apart.
Attorneys and artists also share the ability to transport people almost magically with their ideas. A wonderful painting can alter one’s state of being, if only for a few moments, just as a thoughtfully developed idea, or argument, powerfully presented stops a person, and possibly makes them think of life in a different way.
Quality is Key
Experience teaches us marginal work will always be marginal, and there is never a substitute for quality. More than not, the best attorneys and artists, gain notoriety through producing excellent work. Therefore, why would an outstanding attorney ever exhibit anything but first rate art? I conjecture because he or she does not realize their art is a personal reflection of their beliefs. If an attorney displays marginal art, it speaks volumes to a person like me, who spends day in and day out looking for quality in artwork.
In fact, in the nineties, I had the unfortunate experience of hiring a less than outstanding attorney. If only I had listened to my inner voice, and not been so young and naive. Today, I would walk out of an office, if the painting displayed behind the desk is less than a quality work of art. Actually, I would rather there be nothing, than something without quality.
Quality is the core of art value. In fact, we could tour the Utah law firms in search of quality, and when we find it, it speaks for itself. It exudes superiority because it has quality.
Quality Artwork Often means Quality Work
A law firm or individual exhibiting excellent works of art sets the stage for a quality experience. Exceptional artwork creates a wonderful working environment for everyone who encounters it; the client, the attorneys, the office staff. Art can create a refuge if only briefly from the stressors of a work load.
Interestingly, the question I have pondered for years: “Why do some attorneys seem to value artwork so much more, than many of the other professional people we have dealt with over the years?” Quite possibly, attorneys ascribe to a more Renaissance-person type of living; the liberal arts being the background of so many. They realize the importance of art. Irving Stone said, “Art’s a staple. Like bread or wine or a warm coat in winter. Those who think it is a luxury have only a fragment of a mind.”
Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in this idea that attorneys have a lot in common with artists. Both attorneys and artists live a life expressing their viewpoint. They spend years developing their style and honing their skills in order to clearly communicate their individual viewpoints. And, it is through those individual styles that they set themselves apart.
Attorneys and artists also share the ability to transport people almost magically with their ideas. A wonderful painting can alter one’s state of being, if only for a few moments, just as a thoughtfully developed idea, or argument, powerfully presented stops a person, and possibly makes them think of life in a different way.
Quality is Key
Experience teaches us marginal work will always be marginal, and there is never a substitute for quality. More than not, the best attorneys and artists, gain notoriety through producing excellent work. Therefore, why would an outstanding attorney ever exhibit anything but first rate art? I conjecture because he or she does not realize their art is a personal reflection of their beliefs. If an attorney displays marginal art, it speaks volumes to a person like me, who spends day in and day out looking for quality in artwork.
In fact, in the nineties, I had the unfortunate experience of hiring a less than outstanding attorney. If only I had listened to my inner voice, and not been so young and naive. Today, I would walk out of an office, if the painting displayed behind the desk is less than a quality work of art. Actually, I would rather there be nothing, than something without quality.
Quality is the core of art value. In fact, we could tour the Utah law firms in search of quality, and when we find it, it speaks for itself. It exudes superiority because it has quality.
Quality Artwork Often means Quality Work
A law firm or individual exhibiting excellent works of art sets the stage for a quality experience. Exceptional artwork creates a wonderful working environment for everyone who encounters it; the client, the attorneys, the office staff. Art can create a refuge if only briefly from the stressors of a work load.