Gallery owner advises travelers on how to buy art while abroad

“The art world, really more than any other world I can think of, is a global village,” said Barbara Gladstone, owner of the Gladstone Gallery.

Gladstone names Art Basel as “the mother of all art fairs.” Photo by Art Comments.

You can be in a location and fall in love with something, buy it, and then realize when you get home that it has no relevance in your life. If you’re buying a souvenir, something small, then it doesn’t really matter because you’re just having fun. But it’s not the same as making a serious purchase.

Most artwork is shipped by plane, but with heavy pieces like furniture or ceramics, you’re better off shipping by boat. It may take two weeks longer, but the cost is much more reasonable.