REPOST: Q&A with Gracy Fernandez of ART TAP

Excerpt from Traders Apprentice Pilipinas.

In this article we feature Ms Gracy Fernandez of ART TAP, the Arts Society of Traders Apprentice Pilipinas. She has been with TAP since 2015.

1. Tell me about yourself

I am a property dealer, who is also into Insurance industry. But recently, I have developed an interest for art, writing and many other diverse activities that I can see myself in.

2. Tell me about ART TAP

ART TAP has started out in social media. The vision of the creators of the page is to increase art appreciation. JJ Atencio one of the members has been an avid art collector for several years now. Art is transformative and one of the best ways to communicate. If Stock traders can learn how to appreciate art, to value it for what it is then we are starting an organic interaction that can shift the way people can perceive art in the country. ART Tap is about sharing local artists and promoting their work. But more than that it informs people on how to collect art, how to invest in it and why art matters. Since the group is just starting, it will focus more on art appreciation activities. In the future it will involve more lectures about art, workshops and activities that people can get involved in.

3. Who is your favorite local artist?

Vincent Navarro, a local Baguio artist who just recently died at the age of 23 this year. He is a coffee artist; it means he uses coffee ground as his medium. His works allow me to reflect-the technique that he uses is focused and he involves research of the locals that he is featuring. His death was untimely he could have done more. His works are not for sale right now, but Aga Muchlach and BenCab have featured some of his works.

4. Do we have TAPpers that are artists as well?

Yes, we have an artist vision in all of us. When we say the word artists, it pertains to everything—from visual arts, music, theater performing, writing, film making and many tappers are involved in this—it might seem for others as a hobby but it is where the soul is felt.

5. Why do you think we need to invest in art?

We need to invest in Art, because this means investing in who we are as a person. Life is so much more than we do—life is about connecting. Art Tappers was created for this purpose; it will remind us of the wholeness of our purpose not just in the economic sense but in the spiritual sense. Apart, from that we are also encouraging people to be more creative, to provide value for the creative industry. If Tappers can support local artists, they are supporting the economy itself, we are all one-the economy is connected. If one industry is doing well then everything will get affected. Art Tap is about supporting the Creative Industry—the Creatives. Just imagine life without music, without dancing, without new films and books being released—this is what it means to support Art Tap. It means to support the soul.

6. How much does the artwork usually cost?

It will depend on the artwork and artist who is being purchased. There are artworks that are priced at 1,000 and they make you feel happy and you will still buy them because it resonates with you, but there are also artworks that are priced at 100,000 and will be valuable after 3 more years- the artworks price can increase up to 500,000 or more.

There are also cases where in , the price of the artists work is 3,500 from the time of purchase, but as the artist becomes more valuable, if they win art contests and they have good PR boost, then the 3,500 could turn into a real investment—the artwork could suddenly amount to millions. For example, the drawings made by Amorsolo and Ben Cab when they were younger, if a friend was able to keep a signed work even in just a simple scratch paper—that is already valuable.

7. How do we make money in art? 

You can make money in art through several methods. First, select emerging artists and find a way to hype them up, once they are hyped and more important people purchase the works, then the art work would become more valuable over time.

If you have spare time, you can also invest in other industries related to art like photography. If you are an event organizer, you can be interested in creating events like Art in the Park, and Art Fair, and charge people a certain amount of money to view the works. There are a number of ways to earn from art- if you are creative the potential is endless.

8. What kind of art makes money these days?

Art will always have value, may it be intrinsic or monetary. If someone you love gives you a poem- and that someone dies or is no longer around- no one can buy that from you- nowadays, top or hyped up artists are the ones making serious money. For example powerful families in the art community are able to earn thousands even millions of pesos for their artworks. Their paintings are being purchased by billionaires. Sculptures for one, is still needed in many countries- almost any industry related to art is making a strong comeback nowadays in the economic sense.

9. Can you recommend schools for TAPpers who are also aspiring artists?

You no longer need a school to tell you what is creative, or how to live life creatively- nowadays in the age of social media, information is everywhere. If you stay inside the school—your perspective is limited- art is not that way- you can go inside the school for 6 years or more for a Masteral’s degree and still have limited knowledge about art. Art is instinctual; it is about reaching out to people—It is about doing what is relevant- it is about connecting people and not a lot of people- go to a school or academy of art only if you want to add research or technique for preparation for art criticism, but if you want to be an art collector- art appreciation in itself in being active in art events is one good way to stay relevant.

10. What tips can you provide to fellow TAPpers with in comes to investing in art?

Like what JJ Atencio said, learn to appreciate art first. You can never go wrong by trusting your eyes and senses when it comes to art that you like. The investment will come next, if you start opening your mind, to what possibilities of art events an you can do to improve the aspects of the creative industry then that is where the economic investment will come in.

Thank you, Gracy for participating in our Q&A session.