Welcome to Spring 2022’s issue of Fine Art Collector , the contents of which – I hope – will touch on a number of hot topics currently subject to discussion and debate in the dialogue of today. Forward-thinking and in tune with a disposition that unites likeminded individuals worldwide, art conversely also has the power to act as a vehicle to broach and process polemical issues. The notion of citizenship, a focus on the importance of allowing history to shape and guide progress, feelings of guardianship over our planet and the conversation efforts required to preserve it, the need for inclusivity, political and societal representation in the arts, global unease…the list is endless. No wonder so many media outlets are reporting on a pervading sense of mental fatigue felt by a wide cross-section of society. Then add this into the mix - according to a study carried out by Microsoft UK, 40% of people surveyed said they felt guilty for not carrying out the changes or commitments they promised themselves that they would after the pandemic; a new cognisance that has been titled “the productivity trap”. Upon reading this, the irony wasn’t lost on me that, for many of us, the (seemingly endless) lockdowns provoked an appreciation for a slower pace of life. It allowed us to pause, reassess our work life balance and rediscover previously forgotten simple pleasures. With a nod to this, Castle Fine Art recently joined
countless other galleries, museums, organisations and individuals across the world on 2nd April in championing Slow Art Day. Founded as an antidote to the screen-based, rapid scrolling, multi- tasking way a great many of us now view art, the movement encourages us to find our way back to viewing art in real life, consciously making the time to arrange the visit and enjoy what it affords to us. This is, however, somewhat at odds by the rising star that is NFTs. Contrary to the popularly held belief that they’ll fade into distant memory seemingly as quickly as they emerged as the next big player in the art market, NFTs have marked their territory and are here to stay. Quite what their lifecycle will look like and where they will end up [black dwarf or supernova?] is anyone’s guess, but they’ve opened up a previously unexplored dimension to the creation and trading of art that has undeniably changed the landscape of the market for artists and collectors alike. Perhaps most consistently at the forefront of our shared consciousness in recent years has been the need for greater focus on environmental issues. As more than 79% of UK consumers change their purchasing preference in order to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle, companies are being encouraged to adopt out more eco-friendly and ethical practices. I am delighted to say that Castle Fine Art has indeed evolved many
aspects of its business to provide more environmentally friendly operations. Swapping simple practices within marketing, delivery services and framing logistics has allowed us to increase our sustainability measures across the business. We have chosen to work with Acorn Press for our literature print (such as this very magazine!) as the company is proud to be ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 registered and are also FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody certified, supporting the environment, and aligning with our values and pledge to be more eco- friendly. In February this year, they produced Richard Rowan’s fine art book titled An Impossible Dream, the very first to be printed carrying both the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) andWLT (World Land Trust) accreditations. More on this – and our other philanthropic pursuits – to follow in our Autumn issue. In the meantime, we invite you to pretend it’s 2nd April 2022 all over again (Slow Art Day, for anyone who skipped over the earlier paragraph!) and savour Fine Art Collector cover to cover. Hit pause on your to-do list, whatever email you haven’t answered and tune out the world around you. Art was here long before any of us, it will outlive us and its qualities enrich us. Long live art, and all it gives to us. Enjoy!
Daniela Quinlan Editor
© 2022Washington Green Fine Art Group Limited. Printed In England
Fine Art Collector is published by Washington Green Fine Art Group Limited and distributed by Castle Fine Art. Email hello@castlefineart.com Website castlefineart.com All the art featured in Fine Art Collector is available through Castle Fine Art across Great Britain. Visit our website at castlefineart.com to find your nearest gallery. The images contained within this literature are an artistic representation of the collection. To best experience our art, we recommend you contact your local gallery to arrange a viewing. Prices illustrated throughout this magazine are recommended retail prices.
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