Sawyer Trice lives in Washington, DC where he studies art history and American studies. His interest in and understanding of art and its history was first shaped by his passionate professors within the Art History Department at George Mason University. He spends his time traveling, hoping to find a place to call home.
Alberto Giacometti’s 1961 cast sculpture L’Homme qui marche I, depicting a frail man mid-stride, sold at Sotheby’s in London just last month. Less than a dozen bidders were competing to purchase the work and, after just eight minutes, L’Homme qui marche I was sold for $104.3 million, the highest price ever paid for a piece of art at auction.
While this sale marks an historic event, which might breathe fresh life into a tired art market, it serves as a reminder that collectible pieces from established artists are exclusive, and this exclusivity creates a market that prices most people out. I am one of these people.
I discovered this unfortunate news when, in January of this year, I set out to purchase a piece of art for my apartment. The event that would mark my first art acquisition had been long anticipated, and it would just be the beginning of my collection. I was aware, however, that it would not be easy to find a piece of aesthetic value, and despite having studied art extensively, I had not the slightest idea how one actually comes to purchase a piece of art. There were auctions and galleries, of course, but in most cases, the asking price was more than I could afford. At that point, I turned to the internet, but quickly became disheartened when I discovered a plethora of not only bad art, but overpriced bad art.
Many online art websites that I found specialized in original art, but overpriced endearing impressionist landscapes were not what I sought. Other trendy websites contained many impressive pieces from young artists, but the pieces were affordable only because they were reproduction prints.
I began to browse Etsy after I recalled a pair of handmade cuff links I’d purchased through the site last summer. Here I found a large, dedicated art category, with each genre clearly divided into subcategories. The collection of artist-featured works was extensive, with over half a million pieces listed and almost 150,000 in the painting section alone. Although the search process was tedious, the Etsy collection remained the most promising, and on February 4, I purchased my first two pieces from Kris Haas, a.k.a. minimasterpieces, for a total of $43.
I began bookmarking sellers’ shops so I could revisit and see new pieces. I began to accumulate a mass of these bookmarks, so it was only natural for me to transfer these finds to a different medium. I also wanted to exhibit this collection to others because I believed it represented the best of Etsy. Finally, early last month, I began Trice Collective, a curated website that functions as an aggregator of quality art available for online purchase. Since many of the pieces that I feature are from emerging artists, they’re almost all very affordable.
Photo by minimasterpieces
Painting by LivaRutmane on Trice Collective
Selling art online has natural advantages — it minimizes selling costs and maximizes the chance of connecting producer and consumer in a sometimes eclectic market. Etsy is succeeding in cultivating a strong artistic community — it works because the art is affordable and, if you’re willing to do some searching, you can find a piece that works for you.
Who’s your favorite artist on Etsy? What’s your favorite medium? Let us know in the comments!
Artistic Endeavors Series | Art Category | Visit Trice Collective
102 comments
Sign in to add your owncandacejean says:
I like how you remembered to come back to Etsy to look for art. The whole article is a great story! Thanks for the shout out to the "art" category. And there is NO way I could ever pick a favorite artist! There are so many incredibly talented people in this community that use the most imaginative mediums.. gosh. I could sit here all day making a giant list. :)
2 years ago
candacejean says:
PS Trice is awesome!
2 years ago
sarahknightdesign says:
Wow. The Trice Collection is beautiful along with the other art finds:) Good to see Etsy putting the spotlight on the fine arts!
2 years ago
AREjewellery says:
Fantastic! There is so much fabulous art on Etsy. I have bought 2 pieces so far and I have a long list. I now just need my own place to put it on the wall!
2 years ago
DapperPaper says:
Such a great way to expose us to art that is affordable! I'm looking forward to expanding our collection.
2 years ago
thisisalliknow says:
lovely site, with so much fine art on etsy it's always nice to see new ways to browse through it.
2 years ago
BululuStudio says:
Cool picks.
2 years ago
sleepymoondesign says:
Wow some wonderful art! I must pass the Trice Collectives site onto my mother... she will love it!
2 years ago
reinaldovalentin says:
GREAT IDEA! The online art world needs more outlets like this. Thats Sawyer.
2 years ago
reinaldovalentin says:
...Sorry... Thanks Sawyer.
2 years ago
bread says:
One of the benefits of being an artist, is that you tend to collect peices by fellow artists.My walls are never empty.But I have alot of friends in different fields who would never even think to purchase art.But etsy offers them a quick and easy approach to doing so,cutting out the over priced gallery that many people are too intimidated to visit. I hope to see more art make it to the front page!
2 years ago
InspiringColors says:
go Art!
2 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
Great site!
2 years ago
jamieribisi says:
What a great article! And your website is wonderful, too! I find the same problems as you have when searching for art work. It's truly difficult to weed through the overpriced, the mass produced/printed, and the items that just aren't my taste in order to find a piece that I want to live with forever. One great way to find affordable pieces is to go to open studios. Most will list opening in a local paper or through a local art group. I love doing that because you get to see the work in the environment that it was created and get to interact with the artist on a level playing field...which is a very different field of that in a gallery setting. Selling work on Etsy is also a big boon to an art career...although one should price their work the same as if it were in a gallery so as not to undercut the galleries that they are showing in. That would make for some bad blood and burned bridges :)
2 years ago
helenaemmans says:
This is a great article and I love the photos chosen, great feel to them
2 years ago
JaneLeBlanc says:
I'm really happy to see some really nice art.
2 years ago
craftpile says:
Ooooooo...I really like Chesapeak by Lee Gainer.
2 years ago
tanisalexis says:
great collection! love seeing the support of artists on and outside of etsy. kudos to you!
2 years ago
louloudo says:
such a great idea, well done you for seeing the hole and doing something to fill it!
2 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
I'm all about more art on Etsy.
2 years ago
AudreyGardenLady says:
How cool is this! Way to go Sawyer. We always support the arts!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Great post!
2 years ago
TheInvitation says:
Bravo Sawyer! Thank you from all of strugglin' artists!
2 years ago
honeytree says:
great article !!
2 years ago
janellelile says:
Very cool! I love seeing new artists that I may have missed in the massive art category. It really can be overwhelming.
2 years ago
VerreDesign says:
Giacometti is my favorite sculptor - what a fantastic artist! Really like your finds - Bouquet of Needles is really terrific:) Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
Excellent points in this article - and such a fabulous resolution to your Art hunt! What I love about selling on Etsy is the opportunity to sell art at a variety of price points in a variety of styles. Quick gesture drawings, pastels, and even oil paintings. I'm able to sell pieces without having to matt and frame and put them under glass, which is difficult to do for each piece you want to sell in a gallery. (Not only because of the investment, but because then you have to add so much more to the selling price to recover that cost.) I also love that I am able to work directly with the buyers, something that I'm not always permitted to do in a gallery situation. I am so grateful to Etsy for this incredible platform, and particularly thrilled with this article, which shows that amazing Art can be found on-line, and from many truly talented artists. wonderful art choices BTW...a few of my favs :)
2 years ago
artofjane says:
This is a great article. I've come to use my Favorites as my own little gallery. There is a lot of beautiful and original art in Etsy and it's inspiring!
2 years ago
aemcdraw says:
Oh Wow! So glad I stumbled on this article. I'm off to check out the collection. Thanks!
2 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
very cool:) Great article and site!
2 years ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
I am constantly amazed by the incredible talent and vast variety of mediums showcased throughout Etsy. I look forward to seeing more of your selections and work from emerging artists.
2 years ago
Emmamaha says:
fantastic article. so much talent in the art category and this is such a great way to point us all in that direction.
2 years ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
I am constantly amazed at the talent and variety of artistic style available throughout this site. With such a huge amount of "yet to be discovered" artists, it will be delightful to view your curated shows and to be introduced to new works of art.
2 years ago
digtheearth says:
Beautiful picks, thank you.
2 years ago
jennyhoople says:
This is very exciting :) I just bought my first piece of original art from an Etsy seller last week and I'll be buying more! Bookmarking the Trice Collective, looking forward to seeing what you turn up!
2 years ago
MinceCo says:
guess etsy is good for more than one could evr imagine
2 years ago
cocomongo says:
wow. what is a fantastic article, and it's so true. I too am bookmarking the site. I just realized last week that my walls would look much better with some art on them. Bravo, you cutie!
2 years ago
JeansVintageCloset says:
This is fascinating as one thrives by constant interest and study, So glad Etsy has artists work featured here. Fortunately one is able to purchase, then book mark favorites from many artists works
2 years ago
BlooPearGallery says:
Great idea!
2 years ago
lifeofcolors says:
Art for all, and all for art! :-) I love being able to "showcase" my art on Etsy.
2 years ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
Right On!!! fascinating talent very reasonably priced and inspired and inspiring through the sharing inside the etsy globe
2 years ago
RogueRetro says:
Interesting work!
2 years ago
HellsSewingCircle says:
Great article and thank you for looking to the contemporary artists here on Etsy. I'm going to check out Trice..
2 years ago
kctrommer says:
Thanks for the shout out. I'm glad to be in such good company! Viva Etsy!
2 years ago
sarahfburns says:
viva original affordable art for all!
2 years ago
DemarestProductions says:
This was a great article to see. Thanks for the shout out to the lovely art community here!
2 years ago
1AEON says:
Nice art! I remember when my Mom always use to say how great my hands are, but i tried to tell , it's really my eyes that make the difference, i still believe it. Stunning visuals!
2 years ago
norakaren says:
I didn't see this article before and it really illuminates the path. Thanks for posting it.
2 years ago
kadlubik says:
Kris Haas s black paintings are beautifully energetic! They are in my "favorite" collection. The story behind them is also beautiful and moving! Congratulation Sawer on your purchase!
2 years ago
StudioZen says:
Fantastic article and nice to see some art love going around. The art category is huge on Etsy, but there really is something for everyone! I have so many favorite artists on etsy, and it's so hard to choose, but two of my absolute faves can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SarahJohnAfana and http://www.etsy.com/shop/jessicatorrant Keep supporting independent artists!
2 years ago
parasolproject says:
to be honest, i have not yet searched for painted art on etsy, but i plan to as soon as i get through writing my comment! thank you for this honest article... I started as a painter and slowly found myself gravitating to textile art instead, but i still love love love it!
2 years ago
PressOnSister says:
Thanks for the article. We've got to get the word out--stop shopping at the chain stores (hello Target!)for art. It's boring and bland. It can't be said enough--affordable, original art is a click away on Etsy.
2 years ago
kadlubik says:
I almost forgot about bartering work . Thank you KCTROMMER for this reminder!
2 years ago
jbeaudet says:
Great article and nice website!
2 years ago
HouseOfMirth says:
etsy has so many talented artists, glad you purchased from the site. I was searching for a painting the other day and found myself looking for hours through all the pieces. lots of choices.
2 years ago
belaluna says:
Beautiful work, wonderful article! I have bought many pieces of art on Etsy and love talking to others about their work. It's a great environment for positive feedback from fellow artisans, a personal connection and an affordable market for those of us who can't afford galleries. I love to see new forms of exposure for fine artists on Etsy!
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
Wonderful article! There is so much art to explore on Etsy.
2 years ago
CDLjewelry says:
It would be great to have an "Art Jewelry" category on Etsy.
2 years ago
VintageFrocksOfFancy says:
I often say 'I wish i had enough wall space for all of Etsy's great artists!! Thanks for the enchanting article that kept me glued!
2 years ago
Vidalbuttons says:
CDLjewelry That is a great idea, Art Jewelry category!!
2 years ago
BurningHeartArt says:
I loved this story. There is so much beautiful art out there.
2 years ago
RebeccaBarfoot says:
Ah. Thank you so much for this article- thoughtful and articulate and all about ART. We need that here.... oooh. YES!!!
2 years ago
vantiani says:
Oh what a wonderful writing! Thank you so much, sawyer! you just make my day:)
2 years ago
SiuTing1108 says:
HOT !!
2 years ago
meteor says:
thanks Sawyer. I agree here you can reach affordable fine art works...:)
2 years ago
gochacreative says:
A very interesting article. But it costs to be different.
2 years ago
SmilingGirlStudio says:
Very lovely article and a great way to help promote all the wonderful artists on Etsy! I always find a new one to add to my favorites list whenever I stop to read.....Thanks so much!
2 years ago
OneClayBead says:
Thanks! I found many new favs here, and enjoy seeing a few of the many Fine Artists on Etsy featured.
2 years ago
RubyStudios says:
Yesterday, I was in an art and bead shop in little Brevard, NC, when I overheard the ladies mentioning Etsy. It's becoming more and more known--thanks for helping tout Etsy as a quality and legitimate place for purchasing art.
2 years ago
xoxsmiley says:
Hey neighbor! I am from the DC area as well and think Trice Collective is an awesome idea. Like you, the primary objective of my creating an Etsy account was so I could browse and bookmark artists' shops (my seller objective came two years later). My favorite Etsy artists include: juriu, oladesign, johnclark, theblackapple, gorjuss, belleandboo, and many others! Thanks for this great article!
2 years ago
lauraprentice says:
sooooooo happy to see some artists on etsy! art is really hard to sell, especially when you can't have it hanging in a gallery 24/7. i've been moving around a lot in recent months and so my art collection is in a basement (boo!) BUT etsy has allowed me to have a business while on the move.
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Great post! Love it!!
2 years ago
theartofdang says:
new favorites all around! nicely done.
2 years ago
Rakumancy says:
I love the photography I've found on Etsy, especially the photographs made with pre-digital techniques. Some of my favorites are: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37760151 And some infra-red phtotos: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30582441 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18329669
2 years ago
corduroy says:
Oh really cool piece, Sawyer, Trice Collective is just wonderful. And I've found one of my new favorite Etsy artists from this- restlessthings' work is totally rad. Lots of great stuff here though too.
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Love to see more artwork on Etsy!!
2 years ago
gretchenmist says:
great article! you've done an excellent thing creating your site, i'm sure it will help lots of people find what they are after. thanks for sharing your story :)
2 years ago
maclancy says:
love the website!! tosya art is growing on me by the day!!thanks for everything!
2 years ago
WieberArt says:
I have not been here quite a year, this is definitely a turning point for Fine Art on Etsy. Best of success and thanks for Trice Collective. Will Wieber
2 years ago
carlossantiago says:
art! always a good thing to own! good luck guys. excellent work.
2 years ago
panchromatica says:
I think your last point is critical - searching for visual art is frustrating. Tags and descriptions are helpful, but the words the artist picks may not be the words I have in mind when searching. Add in the fact that a reproduction is often tagged with the medium used for the original and things get even more difficult. In many ways the strength of Etsy when looking for art is also its problem - there is just so much work to look at. I don't know the answer, but something needs to be done if online sales are to take off.
2 years ago
panchromatica says:
I note from your web site that 'few prints will be accepted'. The term 'print' has become pretty much meaningless without qualification so, given the section in your article about reproduction prints, are you actually talking about reproductions here or are you also excluding the many fine art printmakers also on Etsy - and elsewhere? While it is common usage to describe reproductions as prints, that does not mean all prints are reproductions.
2 years ago
seaofbees says:
i love this post, its inspiring me to get more into art.
2 years ago
vintagemaison says:
Sawyer - how generous of you - and great taste too1
2 years ago
katherynmd says:
Etsy is just the greatest place for SO many items, I've been very blessed to have found and purchased some for myself. Great website, wishing you much success here!
2 years ago
jodieflowers says:
Love them all!
2 years ago
JosephineAndCole says:
This is absolutely fantastic. The art category is can be very overwhelming, and this really narrows it down. I also feel like this could leave an opening for other online galleries as well since this group is focused on more of a modern/post modern selection. I could easily see a primitive gallery, sculpture gallery, hyper realism gallery... the list goes on!
2 years ago
atelierdewolvelay says:
Wonderful idea and beautiful site. I've just noticed a piece of mine featured - many thanks!
2 years ago
SarahGiannobile says:
Thank you Sawyer! Really great article and I love your web site too. Thank you for the exposure... very much appreciated.
2 years ago
HamjArt says:
Great article Sawyer and I also love your website. Thank you for featuring me!
2 years ago
CositasSeriasVintage says:
Wonderful article! Love the art!
2 years ago
lavenderlemon says:
Iam loving the art on etsy!When i first joined etsy i pretty much just searched for vintage stuff and didnt really go much for art because i didnt even think to look there until i started seeing art featured more on etsy.I am a first year art student and i can see the possibilities on etsy here.
2 years ago
sweetharvey says:
Fantastic read and what amazing artwork. Love the studio shot - it is always so exciting to see where other artists work.
2 years ago
nowonder says:
There are some really beautiful art peices on Etsy.
2 years ago
TheJoyofColor says:
Trice, you are so right, and What you did is wonderful As and etsy seller i do have my list of artist waiting for the time i can afford some art purcase. Certainly goign to visit your site. Thank you
2 years ago
kariusdeparius says:
browse forward voyager !D LOVE from France
2 years ago
nosideup says:
thumbs up for this selection!
2 years ago
rachelaustin says:
Great article! Thanks for promoting the arts on etsy!
2 years ago
MooshooSkinny says:
Yes! Come to Etsy to buy original artwork!
2 years ago
JoshUrsoDesign says:
I've noticed that each year etsy attracts more and more serious artists looking to promote their work. I too am impressed with the quality available here and am happy to see articles promoting said endeavors. Thanks!
2 years ago
Copperhorsestudio says:
Some of my favorite places to look for art, asides from Etsy, are estate sales and yard sales. I've come across some very interesting finds...although, of course, it's a bit like looking for buried treasure. Trice made a valid point about the world of fine art being almost inaccessible to people of modest incomes who happen to love art and want to collect. Etsy does indeed do a wonderful thing by making accessible wonderful artwork by new and established artists. The high end art world may have to take notice eventually when the exclusive galleries and auctions are slowly abandoned for fresher talent.
2 years ago
kirstenfrancis says:
What a wonderful idea and such a beautifully curated site. I've always been both impressed and overwhelmed by the amount of fabulous art to be found on Etsy. It's great to see fine art and its purchase via Etsy championed. Go, go, go!
2 years ago