Q_01_web-singlepage_Jun15

Kim Edmonds
Founder:
Art Connect
i n t e r v i e w : Aviva Vetter
p h o t o s : Wilson Huynh Studio
With over ten years experience working in the interior
design industry, eight of which were spent at Katherine
Newman Design - one of the most influential and
accomplished interior design firms in the country - Kim
decided to follow her passion and branch out on her own to
launch Art Connect.
Art Connect is a full service art advisory firm which
functions in helping source and purchase art from around
the world for their clients.
How did Art Connect come to life?
I wanted to embark on a project that would incorporate
my skill set and extensive background in design. Working
in interior design I found the best experience for me was
moving through the phases of construction, furnishings
and lighting, then incorporating art as the finishing touch.
I wanted to take the part I loved the most and immerse
myself in it, by starting a firm with the exclusive service of
helping my clients find art for their space, be it residential or
corporate.
Can you walk us through your process?
In theory, I could begin at any time during the design
process – whether it’s in the middle of renovations, right
after a move, or when someone feels they need to make a
change or add to their existing collection. However, it’s most
common that I come in closer to the end stage of a redesign.
The initial consultation could take place anywhere, but the
most ideal is the space where the art will live. This gives me
a chance to see the space and gain an understanding of the
client’s aesthetics. We discuss how many spaces they are
looking to purchase art for, their style, likes and dislikes,
any particular genre of art they are interested in and budget.
Then I would begin sourcing the pieces. I typically start
by emailing images to my client to see what peaks their
interest, they may come to a gallery with me, or I would take
the art on approval so my client can see it in their space.
Once the art has been approved, I then address framing,
if required, and present framing options and oversee this
process straight through to installation, on site, with my
installation team.
Is art more about the investment or the aesthetics?
It’s a little bit of both, but essentially, collecting art is more
about buying something that you love. Whether it will
increase in value shouldn’t be the priority. Choosing a piece
that speaks to you and elicits a feeling every time you look at
it is of more value.
What would be a good financial starting point to source
art for a three-bedroom house?
There is such a broad spectrum of art available depending
on your budget. You can start small and buy from emerging
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