The Right Work, at the Right Time
Private Residence | Manhattan, New York
PROJECT TIMELINE: 6 weeks, from artwork sourcing to acquisition
ARTIST: Sarah Blaustein
SCOPE: 270 Degree skyline view Living room Art Placement
A few weeks ago, during one of New York's 100°F (38°C) heat waves, I accompanied a client to view a painting we had been waiting over a month to see in person.
The project began shortly after the client moved into a new Manhattan apartment with sweeping 270-degree skyline views in May. The goal was clear: find a work that could anchor the living room and hold its own within such a remarkable space.
Private Residence | Manhattan, New York
PROJECT TIMELINE: 6 weeks, from artwork sourcing to acquisition
ARTIST: Sarah Blaustein
SCOPE: 270 Degree skyline view Living room Art Placement
A few weeks ago, during one of New York's 100°F (38°C) heat waves, I accompanied a client to view a painting we had been waiting over a month to see in person.
The project began shortly after the client moved into a new Manhattan apartment with sweeping 270-degree skyline views in May. The goal was clear: find a work that could anchor the living room and hold its own within such a remarkable space.
When we first saw the painting through photos, it was already incredibly compelling. But for a work of this scale and significance, the client wanted to experience it in person before making a final decision.
The gallery was exceptionally accommodating, arranging for the painting to be transported from the artist's studio in San Francisco to New York. Then came the waiting.
About a month later, we finally stood in front of the work.
The decision was almost immediate.
After seeing it in person, the client knew it was the one. The acquisition happened so naturally that by the time we walked out for coffee, we suddenly realized neither of us had taken a single photo with the painting.
Some moments simply happen that quickly.
What many people don't see is that viewing the artwork is actually only a small part of an art advisor's role—although it is certainly one of the most rewarding.
Most of the work happens behind the scenes: communicating with galleries, confirming availability, coordinating transportation, managing timelines, and following up on countless details throughout the acquisition process.
Many of my collectors are based overseas, which means we often make important acquisition decisions without ever standing in front of the artwork together. Those projects require even more conversation—discussing the work in depth, reviewing the collector's space, budget, and long-term collecting goals, so they can make confident decisions even from thousands of miles away.
Helping collectors find the work that truly belongs in their collection is never just about sourcing a painting. It's about building enough clarity and confidence that, when the right piece finally appears, the decision feels obvious.
Every successful placement reminds me that the weeks of coordination, patience, and preparation are always worth it.
Living with Contemporary Art in Hong Kong
New Development Residence | Hong Kong
PROJECT TIMELINE: 6 Months
ARTISTS: Violeta Maya · Kim Taek Sang · Chantal Khoury
SCOPE: Full Residential Art Placement
Working closely with the client and interior designer, the collection was curated around the client's preference for contemporary abstract expressionism. Warm palettes of pink, orange, and violet were selected to create a calm, welcoming atmosphere while allowing each artwork to become part of the home rather than simply decorating it.
Violeta Maya as the center piece of the living room.
New Development Residence | Hong Kong
PROJECT TIMELINE: 6 Months
ARTISTS: Violeta Maya · Kim Taek Sang · Chantal Khoury
SCOPE: Full Residential Art Placement
Working closely with the client and interior designer, the collection was curated around the client's preference for contemporary abstract expressionism. Warm palettes of pink, orange, and violet were selected to create a calm, welcoming atmosphere while allowing each artwork to become part of the home rather than simply decorating it.
Chantal Khoury canvas works in home office.
Kim Taek Sang in bedroom.
A Contemporary Art Collection for a Renovated Home
Old Apartment Renovation | Taoyuan, Taiwan
Project timeline: 2 months
ARTISTS: Vian Sora
SCOPE: Primary Bedroom
Working from the client's architectural drawings and 3D interior renderings, the project focused on sourcing a a contemporary artwork that balanced the room's atmosphere with the client's long-term collecting goals.
Given the client's preference for collecting with long-term cultural and financial value in mind, Vian Sora was selected for her growing institutional recognition, including traveling museum exhibitions across the United States. The acquired work was previously exhibited at the Asia Society Houston, adding an important layer of provenance to the collection.
Old Apartment Renovation | Taoyuan, Taiwan
Project timeline: 2 months
ARTISTS: Vian Sora
SCOPE: Primary Bedroom
Working from the client's architectural drawings and 3D interior renderings, the project focused on sourcing a a contemporary artwork that balanced the room's atmosphere with the client's long-term collecting goals.
Given the client's preference for collecting with long-term cultural and financial value in mind, Vian Sora was selected for her growing institutional recognition, including traveling museum exhibitions across the United States. The acquired work was previously exhibited at the Asia Society Houston, adding an important layer of provenance to the collection.