Name:         henry garcia

Years in

the Field:     25

Favorite Books:

“m: the man who became caravaggio”

“racing through paradise: a pacific passage”

Favorite Master Sculptors:

rodin, matisse....

Favorite Contemporary Sculptors:

frederick hart,

gary weisman, richard mac donald,  larry schueckler.....

Favorite Master Painters:

rembrandt, caravaggio,

courbet, francis bacon, jackson pollack,

franz klein, lucian freud...

Favorite Contemporary Painters:

odd nerbrum, d. kassan, m. liepke, liepking, b. ewing, b. zupan yuroz ,....

Favorite Subject Matter:

the human figure, the  still life, the landscape...

Favorite Mediums:

oil, watercolor,  gauche, clay & ceramic works and bronze...

Favorite Quote:

Favorite Composers:

beethoven, bach, mozart

Favorite Hobby:

sailing, biking, kayaking, clay shooting...

Memberships:

lakewood yacht club,

museum fine arts houston....

henry garcia,

(across from the mfah in 2006)

The Three Critical Players in the Art World:

It is important for all collectors to understand the basic players in the art world, for the collector is a critical element in a three-sided relationship which supports and sustains the art world.  This relationship consists of three principals.  The first, naturally, is the artist who conceives and then creates the works of art.  The second is the art dealer who assists in cultivating the artist’s works in a particular market by presenting the works to the general collecting public and selling it on behalf of the artist.  Last, but by no means least, is the collector whose acquisition of the works not only supports the continued endeavors of the other two players, but also takes on the additional responsibility of stewardship for the works they collect.

The Collector as Steward:

So what do I mean by stewardship of the collected works?  Well, I believe that those who collect art are not simply engaged in the act of amassing objects for their personal use and enjoyment.  They are, in a sense, acting as guardians of those works for the benefit of those who will come after them. In other words, they are acting for posterity.  I know that sounds very lofty... but this is, I believe, an essential truth.  Think of it this way... when I stroll through any museum, I have to keep reminding myself that  every work of art housed in that institution once belonged to someone. Whether the work was commissioned by a manarch to project their power throughout their empire, or  by a public institution for display in a public arena, or commissioned by a private collector for his own personal use.... someone once owned each work, loved it and preserved it for us all.  

Art as a Cultural Work:

In this context,  a collector should always keep in mind that when one purchases a work of art, it is not like purchasing a car or a plane, which is ultimately a utilitarian object serving a very specific and practical function. While these objects can be very beautiful, well designed, and valuable possessions, such objects don’t necessarily have any real purpose for posterity (although this isn’t always true, as with the decorative arts field).  But the objects we commonly refer to as art are completely different. They are cultural works, transmitting information about the societies that inspired them, not only for their contemporary generation, but also for generations to come. So when we visit museums and we view their vast collections, we are glimpsing not only our own culture, we are also getting a glimpse into the cultures of societies that came before us. In doing so, we are learning about our own society and how it relates to those ancient societies.  In essence, when we are in the presence of these earlier works of art, they are speaking to us for those who are now silent; telling us stories of the times from which they came and the people who created them. And while the contemporary collector may not have this goal in mind when they initially purchase a work of art for their personal enjoyment, I believe that their collections, if thoughtfully assembled, will perform the same function for future generations.

The Importance of this triad:

For me, each of these three players are vital, interdependent components that are linked inseparably to each other. Take one player away, and this delicate relationship falls apart, or at the very least, fails to function fully.  Thus I believe that those who take up the mission of collecting art have a greater responsibility than they may realize. They are charged with not only purchasing the works, and then properly housing and caring for them; they are also charged with developing their ability to discern that which should be left to posterity and that which should consigned to history’s less notable creations.  And that is a difficult and sometimes weighty responsibility.  Because when one purchases a work of art, one is inextricably casting a vote as to what our society thinks about art and what future generations will think about us.  

My Role as a Dealer/Consultant:

So where do I fit into this picture?  Unlike those who pander to what is in fashion in the art world, I want to assist collectors in thinking about the works they are acquiring and why they are acquiring them.  This doesn’t mean that one can’t collect something on just a purely visceral or emotional level.  There is nothing wrong with that.  However,  I prefer to avoid art which doesn't quite meet the mark when it comes to what I consider to be fine art. There is definately a hierarchy of art and artists, and I shy away from those who don't take their craft seriously.  That being said, I am not by any means the sole opinion on what constitutes fine art, but with 25 years in the field, I believe I have developed a critical eye for fine works of art.  

Like most fields of human endeavor, there are those who truly excel in their craft, and those who do not quite get there.  And here is where the collector’s choices about art take center stage.  If one decides to buy, lets call it questionable art, that is either poorly conceived or badly executed, one is casting a vote.  The collector is saying to the dealer and to the artist, “hey, I like this.....make some more.”  And in doing so, the collector has influenced the other two players to follow his lead.  Yes, it is true that not all artists will follow this impulse, and there are dealers who refuse to pander to collectors, no matter who wants it or how much they are willing to pay for it. But there are far too many players that are merely in it for the money. They will execute and offer whatever sells in the marketplace.  I am simply not one of those dealers.  I can only offer artworks that I truly believe will serve my client's needs and wishes in the highest standards.

That having been said, I am not suggesting that I am somehow the grand arbiter of fine art, or that I must personally like every work of art in order to give it credibility.  I don’t have to personally desire a particular work of art or style of art in order to give its creator his due respect. If the work is created in a professional, thoughtful, and skillfull manner and is a sincere effort to communicate some idea by a serious artist working in his or her chosen craft, I will respect the intention of the work, even if I don’t wish to own it personally.

Well, I hope this tells you a little about me and my values. Its important that we have a relationship that is based on solid principles and trust. Always remember....I won’t offer you anything that won't do justice to you the collector... I think that says it all.  

Thank you for your time.  

Henry Garcia

18228 lakeside lane  *  houston,  tx    *   77058  *    houstonartdealer@mac.com  *   713-299-4956