Go from fartsy to artsy and trade the gas for class with eBay Live Auctions
The allure of art greatly escapes me. Don't get me wrong, I see beauty in paintings and sculptures, but I'd be just as happy with a cheap reprint as the original. Hell, I can see the Mona Lisa on my iPad while laying on my couch, why bother going to an art gallery or art auction? It seems like a waste of money. When I watch Pawn Stars, I yell at the TV when Rick buys art for thousands -- "Dude, save your money!"
Well apparently, having an understanding and appreciation of art is a sign of class, which I am told I am lacking. In fancy social situations, I picture myself like Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack -- "whoa, did somebody step on a duck?" Yes, I am more "fartsy" than artsy and I have no business being at an art auction. Today however, eBay brings the art auction to your computer by launching Live Auctions. Yes, you can bid on classy art while sitting on the toilet -- finally.
"eBay's live auctions provide virtual entrance to auction house salerooms from anywhere in the world, and eBay’s 149 million active buyers now have the same access to auction merchandise as those bidding in person on the auction room floor. Inventory is sold directly by hundreds of world class traditional auction houses, including premier partners such as Doyle New York, Freeman's, Garth's Auctions and Swann Auction Galleries. All items are backed by the eBay Money Back Guarantee", says eBay.
The online auction site further explains, "eBay has also partnered with the iconic international art business and auctioneer, Sotheby's, to be the anchor tenant of the new live auctions experience. In the coming months, eBay will begin to offer a number of live auctions that are taking place at Sotheby's headquarters in New York. The Sotheby's auctions will present 18 collecting categories. The two companies are exploring themed and time-based sales, as well as live auctions from Sotheby's other global salesrooms".
The question is, does eBay's Live Auctions expose more people to art, or cheapen the experience for true art collectors? While art is the centerpiece of an art auction, it is not the entirety. You see, many people go for the experience of it, without an intention to bid. If eBay's endeavor is a success, it could cause a decline in "proper" art auctions. In other words, is it really classy to bid for fine art on eBay?
Are you a fan of art? Tell me about it in the comments.
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