July 19, 2012

Meet Impressionist & Modern Art Specialist Shawna Brickley

We sat down with artnet Auctions specialist Shawna Brickley to talk about selling art online, the artists she’d like to meet, and how she sees the art world in 25 years.  

1.      What were you doing before you came to artnet?

I was a member of the distinguished works on paper department at Swann Galleries, New York, for over a decade.  

2.     Did you always want to work in the art world?

Yes indeed. I come from a long line of artists, writers, and musicians. In my family, a life immersed in the arts was the ultimate, and it always felt like my natural inclination. I’m a very mediocre artist so the other option was to become a professional appreciator, which I love.

3.     Tell us about what you do at artnet

I’m a Modern and Impressionist Art specialist. I do everything from bringing in material and evaluating its current market value to overseeing it entirely through the auction process. Throughout each step I act as a guide, a resource for information, and reference point for consigners and buyers. 

4.     What is your favorite art period?

I have a particular soft spot for New York artworks from the turn of the century through the 1930s. Artworks from that period are like a visual history of our entrance into the Modern Age. It’s inspiring; I love the celebration of industry and human ingenuity, it has real soul.

5.     Who is your favorite artist?

This is impossible. The 20th century shortlist would include Franz Marc, Otto Dix, Andrew Wyeth, Joseph Solman, Martin Lewis, Luigi Lucioni, and Rockwell Kent.

6.     If you could own any artwork, which would you choose?

I would love to own Luigi Lucioni’s 1933 oil on canvas, Resting Athlete. It is an almost life-size portrait of a boxer lying prone on a bed, the arrangement of his body an homage to classical figure study. It’s beautiful. Or Jamie Wyeth’s 1972 self-portrait, Pumpkinhead. That’s right up my alley.

7.     Which art events are you looking forward to this year?

I’m traveling to Iowa, IL, and the environs shortly to meet with some clients and see the Abstract Expressionist show at the Des Moines Art Center. So much major American Art came out of the Midwest, I’m excited to see the landscapes in person.

8.     What is the latest art show you attended?

I attended the opening of a group show taking place on the North Fork of Long Island. Specifically an artist named Stella Michael, along with other local North Fork artists, really fantastic stuff. 

9.     What are some of your favorite museums/galleries in New York?

Without a doubt, the Neue Galerie (and its Café Sabarsky), and of course the Museum of Modern Art. I also love the Museum of the City of New York.

10.     Any advice for someone who wants to start collecting art?

Don’t worry so much about what it costs, buy what speaks to you.

11.     If you could have dinner with any three artists living or dead, whom would you choose?

Some of the less-tortured ones who were also coincidentally good cooks. Nobody would want to answer Van Gogh, Bacon and Munch to this unless your three favorite psychiatrists were also there to wash the dishes afterwards. Unfortunately, the ones I’d most like to meet are probably the ones who would be the worst dinner guests.

12.     How do you imagine the art world in 25 years?

I think that the internet is the future. I see a tremendous amount of art commerce taking place on an online platform. I’m very proud to be at the forefront of this.

13.     Your Modern Art sale is going live on artnet Auctions today! What is it like to monitor a live online sale for 7 days?  

It’s very exciting to see something that you’ve extensively worked on in the planning stages finally come to fruition. It’s also fun to see where objects will find their new homes. 

14.  Your favorite motto?  

“Victoria Concordia Crescit.” It means Victory through teamwork.