Elsa Åkesson in Conversation with Art Collector, Jonathan Travis

Known as one of the go-to real estate broker of the New York art world, Jonathan Travis has caught the attention of the international art scene with his art collection, giving interviews to Larry’s list, Artsy, and many others. His collection focuses primarily on emerging artists, more specifically on figurative paintings.

MADE IN BED’s Editor-In-Chief, Elsa Åkesson interviews Jonathan Travis on his experience as an art collector and the influence of collectors on today’s art market. 

Jonathan Travis.

EA: We are very happy to have you among us today to share your experience of art collecting and your passion for art. 

How did you start collecting? 

JT: I have always been a natural collector of objects. It started with baseball cards, antiques, street art, then moved its way to contemporary art as I started working with galleries for their real estate needs and understanding the mechanics of the art world.  

EA: When you started collecting, were there any intimidating moments with art world players that made it difficult or unwelcoming for you to collect art? 

JT: Yes, for sure. I was young and had very little money so not many dealers wanted to take the time to help me - I had to educate myself.  

EA: What do you look for in an artist’s work? 

JT: Something that tugs at my heart and soul, usually with a certain baseline of craftsmanship. 

Jonathan Travis Art Collection.

EA: Do you have a particular stylistic or thematic focus that you follow when buying new works? 

JT: Absolutely, [I collect] paintings dealing with human psychology and individual life experience. Our own unique lens on life is what makes the world so fascinating. I also strive to collect seminal works by young artists. 

EA: Is building a relationship with the artists you collect an important aspect of collecting for you, and if so, why?   

JT: It is not necessary every time, but it certainly helps to put the work they create in the correct context and that always adds a layer of meaning to owning the work. I am lucky enough to call many artists my friends. 

EA: When you collect works from an artist, do you tend to keep up to date with their work and buy several of their pieces, or do you prefer to invest in other artists in the future? 

JT: I usually try to support artists along their journey. Often, I buy works from artists very early on in their careers. [Later on], they become highly sought after, much pricier, and hard to access. So, this limits that ability sometimes. 

Jonathan Travis Art Collection.

EA: When did your art collection start to become internationally recognised, and what was the trigger for this? 

JT: I didn't even know it was, so that's a good question! I would say the exposure Instagram has provided [me with] helped facilitate that.  

EA: To what extent has your career as an art collector opened different opportunities for you in the art world? 

JT: It is a very small world for the most part, so it helps [me] open doors and forge relationships for my real estate practice. I have also met many good friends over a mutual love of collecting art. 

EA: Do you have a preferred platform for buying art? 

JT: [I prefer] buying works after a studio visit or [after] seeing the piece in person at the gallery. It is a different experience seeing a work in the flesh and being able to talk to the artist or dealer about the piece and its context. 

Jonathan Travis Art Collection.

EA: As an experienced collector, could you tell us what influence art collectors have on the art market today? Do they play an important role in your opinion? 

JT: Art collectors can absolutely have a major influence on the market. If a major collector publicly supports an artist, then that artist is now in the context of the collection and the other artists in the collection - that can be a big deal.  

EA: What would you say are the biggest advantages of being an art collector? 

JT: I think the biggest advantage is being able to truly see and support brilliant and creative minds - it is enriching in countless ways. 

EA: What would you advise people who want to start an art collection? 

Go see as much art as you can in person, do studio visits, talk to art dealers, ask questions, and buy what makes you excited. 

Thank you very much, Jonathan!  

Image courtesy of Jonathan Travis.  

To discover more about Jonathan’s collection please visit his Instagram.  

Elsa Åkesson,  

Editor-in-Chief, MADE IN BED