How to Buy Your First Original Artwork in New Zealand
Buying Original Art Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating
Buying your first original artwork can feel a little intimidating - but it really doesn’t have to be. There’s no rulebook, no right or wrong, and no requirement to have an art history degree tucked under your arm. My starting point is always very simple: Do you love it? Can you imagine living with it in your home? Do you feel a connection to it?
If the answer is yes, you’re already on the right track.
Start With What You Love
When it comes to purchasing original art, I often encourage people to trust their instincts. Sometimes you’ll connect deeply with the artist’s story or concept behind the work. Other times, it’s as simple as being drawn to the colours, the subject matter, or the feeling a piece gives you when you stand in front of it. Both approaches are equally valid. Art doesn’t always need to be understood - sometimes it just needs to be felt.
Take Your Time and Trust the Process
If you’re buying your first special piece, take your time. There’s no rush. Let yourself sit with the work, revisit it, and imagine how it might live in your space. Art is wonderfully subjective. You’re allowed to create your own narrative, find your own meaning, and build a relationship with a piece over time. It can be emotive, thought-provoking and deeply personal - or playful, light-hearted and simply enjoyable to exist around. Often, it’s a mix of all of these.
Set a Budget That Feels Comfortable
Setting a budget early on can also help guide the process. Having a clear price range allows you to explore confidently and comfortably, without feeling overwhelmed. At Ashe, I’ve intentionally created a space that feels open, welcoming, and accessible - somewhere you can wander, ask questions, and stand in front of the artworks without pressure. I love seeing what catches people’s attention and starting conversations from there. Some of the best moments in the gallery come from those organic, unplanned connections.
Get to Know New Zealand Artists
Remember, you don’t need to be an expert. Ask questions. Learn who’s emerging, who’s established, and hear the stories behind the work. New Zealand is home to an incredibly rich and diverse contemporary art scene, with artists working across a wide range of materials, perspectives, and cultural narratives. From strong Māori and Pacific voices to highly individual, independent practices, there is so much to discover - and often, that discovery is part of the joy.
Does Art Have to Match Your Interior?
One common misconception I hear is that art has to “match” your interior. It really doesn’t. Art can hold its own. It can quietly complement a space or confidently take centre stage and become the focal point of a room. There is always a way to make a meaningful artwork work in your home.
How Ashe Can Help You Choose the Right Artwork
If you’re unsure about size, scale, or how a piece might sit in your space, I’m always happy to help. I offer in-home artwork viewings within Christchurch (by appointment) so you can see a piece in context - considering colour, shape, and scale. I can also assist with hanging suggestions, to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Buying your first original artwork should feel exciting, personal, and empowering. Trust yourself, take your time, and choose something that feels right for you. The rest will follow.