ArtTactic

Jessica Paindiris and Gaia Banovich – The Clarion List

In this week’s edition of the ArtTactic Podcast, we speak with Jessica Paindiris and Gaia Banovich.

Jessica Paindiris and Gaia Banovich are co-founders of The Clarion List.  The Clarion List is the leading online directory of art service providers with ratings and reviews.

First, Jessica and Gaia explain the concept behind their site and answer if it can be considered Yelp for the art world. Then, they discuss what experiences in their art world careers motivated them to launch this service. Also, they walk us through the features of the website.

They share how art service providers and galleries have reacted thus far to The Clarion List and reveal their strategy as to how they plan on growing their online community to increase the number of reviews left on the platform.

Stephen Tanenbaum – UGallery

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast we talk to Stephen Tanenbaum.

Stephen Tanenbaum is co-founder and CEO of UGallery.

UGallery is an art e-commerce platform that connects artists directly with collectors which launched in 2006, as one of the first art e-commerce websites.   Stephen first describes the online art market in 2006 and why he was compelled to be one of the first businesses to enter into it. Then, Stephen compares the online art market in 2006 to the online art market today. Also, he walks us through the experience of an artist getting his/her artwork on their platform and a collector buying art from the site. Additionally, Stephen talks with us about the types of both artists and collectors they are attracting to UGallery. Lastly, Stephen shares his thoughts on if the art market can handle this many online businesses or if a bubble has developed in this space.

Robert Norton – Verisart

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, Robert Norton, CEO of Verisart

Robert Norton tells us about his new startup that verifies art authenticity through blockchain technology. First, Robert briefly explains blockchain technology and how Verisart plans to utilize it within the art world. Then, Robert walks us through Verisart’s app and how artists, galleries and collectors can use it to confirm ownership and authenticity of an artwork. Also, he explains how Verisart fits into the recent proliferation of the art eCommerce sector. Lastly, Robert shares how people in the art world have reacted thus far regarding embracing the blockchain technology.

Kenneth Schlenker – ArtList

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast we chat with Kenneth Schlenker.

Kenneth Schlenker is co-founder and CEO of ArtList, a startup online private art sales website. First, Kenneth tells us how they are effectively utilising Instagram to attract collectors to their site. Then, he explains why he believes a bubble has emerged in the art e-commerce sector of the art market. Also, Kenneth tells us how he feels about ArtList selling artworks by younger, emerging artists. Lastly, Kenneth talks about the challenges ArtList and other art eCommerce sites face if they wish to flourish in the long-term.

David Gryn – Daata Editions

In this week’s edition of the ArtTactic Podcast, we’re joined by David Gryn, founder of Daata Editions, an online platform for the sale of artist commissioned video, sound and web art editions. First, David tells us about the background of Daata Editions and how collectors can consume and enjoy this digital art. Then, he details some of the artists he has worked with thus far and how they responded to working on such a unique concept. Also, David shares why he believes digital art is still not in the mainstream of art collecting and what needs to transpire in order for it to grow in popularity.

Bill Powers & Olivia Smith – Exhibition A

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, Exhibition A’s founder, Bill Powers, and director, Olivia Smith, join us in a three-way podcast to talk about Exhibition A, an online platform that sells exclusive limited editions of artworks by prominent contemporary artists such as Joe Bradley, Nate Lowman, Chris Succo and others. First, Bill talks about his motivation to launch an art eCommerce site that actually works directly with the artists. Then, Olivia walks us through the process, from beginning to end, of getting an artist to create a print exclusively for the site. Also, we ask Bill if he is targeting and attracting a certain type of collector by offering low price points for works by artists who are extremely in demand. Lastly, Olivia shares how Instagram has helped Exhibition A as they have grown and become a more popular site.

Mark Lurie – Lofty

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, Mark Lurie, founder and CEO of Lofty, an online art marketplace, joins us to talk about the company as well as the broader art e-commerce industry. First, Mark explains how Lofty works and why it is focused on the middle of the art market, between $500-$50,000, “the most underserved part of the market”. Then, he tells us why he believes not only is the online art marketplace not crowded, but it is in fact the least crowded ecommerce category on the internet. Lastly, Mark talks about his experiences in raising capital for Lofty and elaborates on how investors view the online art market.

Cristina Olteanu – Lavacow

In this week’s episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, we’re joined by Cristina Olteanu, CEO of Lavacow, the online auction house dedicated to emerging Eastern European art. First, Cristina tells us about Lavacow’s unique online auction experience, in which users create avatars and personalize their participation in the sales. Then, she explains why they have focused on emerging Eastern European art as well as the potential for this sector of the market moving forward. Lastly, Cristina discusses some additional, fascinating features of their platform, including reduced buyer’s premiums as well as shipping artworks directly from the consignor to the buyer.