The traditional art gallery model is broken.
Everyone knows it, but few say it out loud.
It’s widely reported that galleries survive on inflated commissions, gatekeeping, and the illusion of prestige.
Repeatedly we hear they take up to half an artist’s income, while keeping collectors at arm’s length from the very thing they care about most: the art and the artist behind it.
This isn’t just bad for artists. It’s bad for collectors, too.
Because we’ve learned: Collectors don’t actually want to be sold to.
They don’t want another anonymous white-wall transaction where a dealer decides what’s “important” or “valuable.”
Our own repeated experience is that Collectors crave connection.
They want to understand the story, meet the artist, and, if they’re commissioning, shape a piece of the art journey themselves.
That’s where we think the old gallery system fails completely.
It treats collectors like wallets, not people.
Collecting Is Not a Transaction. It’s a Relationship
When a collector invests in a work of art, it’s never just about the object.
It’s about meaning.
It’s about how the artwork fits into their life, their home, their personal story.
The most powerful collections aren’t built from silent purchases at openings.
They’re built from relationships, real conversations between collector and artist, the kind you can’t buy at an auction, or off a white wall.
Many believe direct connection with the artist matters.
When collectors are part of the process, whether they see commissions evolve step by step, or discover the inspiration behind a new release, then the artwork becomes theirs in a way no gallery can replicate.
It’s not hype. It’s intimacy.
And intimacy creates lasting value.
Why Galleries Fear This Shift
Traditional galleries don’t want collectors and artists to connect directly, because the middleman only has power if both sides stay apart.
Their entire business model relies on mystique, scarcity, and control.
But collectors are smart. They know when they’re being sold to. And they know when something feels authentic.
The shift is already happening: Artists bypassing the system, building communities online, sharing stories in real time, and letting collectors experience the artwork in progress.
Collectors love it because they’re not just buying. They’re belonging.
The New Standard for Collectors
Here’s the plain truth: If you’re still buying through a gallery, you’re possibly missing out on one of the best parts of collecting - its meaning.
You’re outsourcing the meaning of your collection to someone else.
We believe the future belongs to collectors who want to be involved, who want to know the artist, who want to say: I was part of this.
And it belongs to artists who are bold enough to tear down the wall between creator and collector.
The old gallery system is dead.
The new era of collecting is alive.
And it’s personal.
Hard Edge glass art blog
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
“Hi, I’m Kevin, Linda’s lifelong soulmate. I’m a professional scriptwriter by trade, for which I’ve won many awards.
My mission is to bring Linda’s genius for colour & form into plain words everybody understands and enjoys.”
Comments
Ray Chimienti said:
Linda,
I could not agree more. I have been collecting art / art glass all my adult life and it’s rare to have that personal experience with an artist. However, on the rare occasion when I have been involved with an artist in creating a piece, I can feel the connection I made with the artist each time I look at their piece. That special connection elevates the piece from an art object to something with real meaning and fond memories.
September 02, 2025
Dr James Cowley said:
Linda-you are so right . Coming into art from a knowledge of many other business sectors, what you say is so true. People (normal consumers) as well as collectors want to meet the artist, have an experience. I despair at how many galleries and exhibitions have a sterile feel. Even when an artist is present they often sit in the corner on their phone trying not to engage. I’ve been told that when they are at college, artists are often told to let their art speak for itself. If thats so its the wrong message from teachers. The best advice would be go out there-mix with people who are not artists-understand what people like to buy or collect-listen to them . By all means make the art you are inspired to make-but find the point of engagement with those who will buy and create a living for an artist.
Linda-your approach (and the beautiful work) is such a good example for many artists. thank you.
September 02, 2025
Sue said:
Brilliantly written and said Linda. Couldn’t agree with you more.
September 02, 2025
Donna Butler said:
This is spot on, Linda! Which is why I love Instagram. You can get to know the artist and their story in addition to choosing the artwork that you prefer. Very well said.
September 01, 2025
Yvonne said:
That’s really refreshing and so so true. Galleries limited artist income and creative often force to produce art that restricts them to certain popular genre inhibiting them from exploring their own unique ideas.
I am just starting out trying to sell my own glass art but have focused on products in the past that just sell quickly for a quick small profit never truly exploring my own ideas.
You work is amazing and a breath of fresh air to us all.
September 01, 2025
Kim said:
As a glass artist, I deal only in commissions from private collectors and businesses. I’ve only once worked with a gallery, but it was a small gallery and I was the only glass artist. I sold a few pieces and they took 40%, which is pretty standard I think. I did have a client/collector contact me outside of the gallery, however, and this presented a real dilemma for me. Do I take the commission knowing it came through my association with the gallery, or do I honor my relationship with the gallery and send the client back to commission it through the gallery. I chose the latter, even though the client decided to not move ahead with the work. I think it comes down to your relationship with the gallery and the client/collector, as well as what you are willing to to sacrifice of your reputation and integrity. Yes I need to make a living, but I can’t be biting the hand that feeds.
September 01, 2025
Henry J Yasses said:
That’s interesting, about galleries!! The last year or year in a half, I have found it difficult. That’s the hardest part of my profession, and it started out much different. Thank You for the interesting and eye opening information…Hank
September 01, 2025