Verity Babbs is an art writer, independent curator, and artist liaison for Rise Art. She hosts ‘Art Laughs’ on YouTube, interviewing the UK’s rising comedic stars about their favourite works of art. The University of Oxford History of Art graduate's written work focuses on London's contemporary art scene and she aims to talk about the arts in an accessible, no-nonsense tone. Verity hopes to engage new audiences to fine art, demystify the gallery, and entertain.

Last year brought about many changes as a result of the pandemic, what were the consequences for you?

Luckily Rise Art where I am Artist Liaison, is an online platform. We moved to remote working and I was a bit sad to not visit Somerset House anymore, where our office was, every workday. I was placed on furlough in April 2020 and to be honest I think this is where a lot of my favourite parts of my career kicked off: I started Art Laughs, focussed in on Instagram networking, collaborated with @procrastinarting_ on an online exhibition, and did some good writing. 

Were there any works or artists that stood out for you during that time? Or were you surprised about any art market results or changes?

I've found most of the artists that I've bought pieces from on Instagram, and I follow a lot of brilliant people on there. It was incredible to see how the Artist Support Pledge rocketed, and there were loads of works I would have loved to nab if I had £200 to spare. 

Many people who are new to buying art are looking for inspiration and guidance from those that have been buying art for a while, especially when it comes to buying their first work of art. Do you remember your first art purchase, and can you tell us what it was and why you acquired it?

During my time at university the Ruskin School of Art used to have a termly sale of the students' work. I used to go and feel like a proper collector. Some of the pieces I bought there are still my favourites, none of them costing me more than £15. I picked up various works on paper, but I particularly love the pieces I bought by @wobbly_men, @sophiaweeblazquez, and @elainerobertsonart. 

In terms of anything more pricey, in October 2019 I went to The Other Art Fair for the first time - I had just moved to London and I was really excited at the prospect of being able to take something home with me. I fell in love with Marcus Aitken's work on paper, each with a central mark made with a thick, baby blue brushstroke. I had just graduated from university and was trying to find my feet in the art world, and a combination of unpaid internships taken concurrently wouldn’t allow me to drop £50 on the piece without foregoing something else, like groceries. Luckily the fair was working with Own Art, so I could pay in instalments. I realised at the Own Art desk that my purchase needed to be £100 minimum, and so I set off again to find another £50 artwork to add to my basket. I quickly found the work of Georgina Walton, who creates gorgeous abstract works in bright colours sometimes topped with glitter. I think of these two pieces as my first 'proper adult' purchases.

Is there one stand out tip that you can give to those who are starting a new collection or considering buying their first work of art?

Buy art that you like from emerging artists you want to support. I'm a bit frightened by the industry trend of buying big investment pieces and building up a collection just to be able to sell it on later. By only looking at art by big names, you miss out on so much good stuff.

Is there one work that you either own or would like to own that stands out above all others for you? What is it and why?

I recently got my hands on a small arch by Kate Dunn who works with paints that react to UV light. I'm so excited by her works and love holding up my nail curing lamp to watch the piece change. I'd love to have a huge piece by her in a sort of sanctuary room.

Many collectors are looking to deepen their knowledge of the arts and the market. Is there a book you can recommend?

To be honest, I don't really read. I've never taken to reading, find the pressure to finish a book stressful, and never find the time to concentrate on it. When it comes to informing your decisions about finding art you like, I definitely recommend going with your gut (/eyes) before you go to academia/industry to tell you what to buy or enjoy. Instagram is also a great way to find out more about the artists you like, and to get gallery recommendations. 

What do you feel is the role of art professional and advisors and how do you think they can help collectors? 

Arts Industry individuals have great insight into who's doing what, who's currently selling, and can give recommendations of artists who'll be to your taste based on what you like already. This is great for collectors and can be interesting intel for other artists too. Advisors have a lot of power when it comes to pushing sales through of certain artists and getting their work out there. Having a contact (whether they be advisor / curator / artist) who knows your tastes and can tailor recommendations, is really valuable for collectors, and can give you some interesting behind-the-scenes information. 

What is the one thing you look forward to in the art world in 2021?

I can't wait to see art in person again - my screen time is through the roof and I need a digital-art detox. Rise Art have moved base to Berwick Street where we'll begin hanging shows soon, which is really exciting. I'd love to get hands-on with some curating during 2021. More generally, I'm excited to see what the art world has learned from 2020 and how it's going to change. I think that our experience of having to go digital will be really helpful in developing more access to art going forwards. Discussions had in 2020 about addressing the injustices and inequalities of the industry (and world) will hopefully come good, too. 

www.veritybabbs.com / @veritybabbsart (Instagram & Twitter) or connect with Rise Art @riseart.