Tuesday, May 26, 2009

snails skyrocketing in price...



I've always loved this painting by Jerry Garcia. I first saw it on a tag for "Jerry Garcia Art Ties" back in the day when I sold menswear in a department store as I worked my way through college. I always thought there was something appealing about the brightly colored snail tucked in among the washed out colors of the garden behind it. A few years ago, I went to an exhibit of his work. It was an odd experience-the exhibit wasn't in a regular gallery, but in a function room tucked way in the back of a U-Haul facility. The artwork was laid out on white cloth-covered tables. Only one of the pieces was an original watercolor- the others were prints, like the one above. The whole setup was random, sketchy and a little unreal. I turned down the chance to buy a copy of my favorite piece for only $900. At the time, it seemed like a prudent move not to buy art when I should be buying things like rent and gas.

Or so I thought....

I randomly came across a gallery selling Jerry Garcia prints like the one above for $7900 each. Hmm...I wonder if anyone is buying in these tough times?

2 comments:

Lydia said...

That is a fascinating Garcia piece. Beautiful. My husband has some Jerry Garcia ties and they are my favorites.
As far as the increase in price...makes that $900 seem paltry now, but you did what you had to do (that is, be smart with your money!).

Wandering Alice said...

It was definitely the best decision. I just think it's funny how expensive a print can be...