When I have the rare moment to research artistic inspiration from around the world, I do so objectively. I cannot say that I have an absolute favorite artist any more than I have a favorite genre, period or subject. Regardless, I am attracted to the work itself and how it moves me.
I will occasionally use the in-site filters to sift the results down to a selection that is most relateable to me. Meaning, the artist or the work resembles myself and the work that I like to create. On my favorite sites such as Artsy.com or Saatchi.com, I usually only filter by Region(United States), Style(Abstract/Contemporary), and Size(Large). I browse the works of the emerging artists and well-established artists. Sometimes, I can’t tell the difference regardless of the press(or prices). I simply look for pieces that catch my eye. Pieces that furrow my brow and perplex me. During my searches, I am also placing myself somewhere in the mix. Constantly questioning what kind of impression my work would have on the casual art browser or (even better)the avid art collector. I suppose that I am both building my own wishlist as well as envisioning my own success as an international artist.
I am far from obtaining either at the moment. Yet, I continue to search for exquisite pieces to add to my expanding virtual art collection. I live vicariously through artists who are making a name for themselves. Some seem to have been randomly-yet-lovingly, plucked from the global pool of the unknown and ushered into museums and galleries to be offered huge commissions and command 5 and 6-figures for their paintings. Others, display such talent and mastery in their work, that there is no question as to why they should be celebrated. I would gladly walk either one of those roads to success.