In celebration of her website launch, we got to chat with art consultant extraordinaire, Deanne Moser, about her career, collecting art on a budget and local artists she loves. ENJOY!

What does an average Thursday look like for you – from the moment you wake up to heading to bed?

DM: I wake up early and get a work out in. My favourite trainer in the city is Danny Martin. His positive energy is contagious and he’s dedicated to your fitness goals. After I grab a coffee at The Drake Cafe. I take my dog @rebeltotherescue out for a walk and then I get down to work.

I try tackling the most important thing first. Anything that needs proper dedication and is deadline driven. Next I switch to emails and client calls. In the late morning/afternoon, I will head over to an artist studio to check out their latest work. Often I am so inspired on what they are creating I feel the need to let others know, so I will send out some emails to media to alert them on what is happening. Next I will meet with new clients for after work drinks or dinner, this could be somewhere like the Soho House or Bar Raval. I’m always out there networking or meeting new people as you never know who you will meet.

What’s your favourite way to spend a day off in the city?

DM: It would start with a yoga session with Christie Hill. She teaches with the perfect combination of intensity and chill. Next coffee and breakfast, hopefully made at home and with some jazz music playing in the back ground. One of the best places to visit on a Saturday is Acadia Books. Carlos has the most amazing selection of antique art books in the city. Then off to the St. Lawrence Market for some fresh and local ingredients to cook later. Obviously hit up the Vintage section of the LCBO and then back home. My night would include some Netflix’s and cuddles.

What do you love most about your job and industry?

DM: I get to surround myself with beauty every day. I love hearing about the artist’s inspiration and how she/he got to the final vision. Knowing that my clients are proud of their purchases is also something very rewarding. When guests enter their homes, I love knowing that the client is sharing the story about the painting. That they get to show off their passion and hopefully spark art enthusiasm in others.

What aspect of art consulting do you find the most challenging?

DM: Like any industry, personalities can be challenging to manage. Sometimes when you work with a couple, one person loves the painting; the other is just ok about it. You also have to be a good money manager.

What, in your opinion, is overrated in the art world?

DM: I believe in trusting your own taste and style. Sometimes a client can get too concerned about if an artist is “hot” or “investable”. Art is personal. You need to love it, connect with it. Don’t feel intimidated by the art or the people— just pick up the pieces you love.

Is there a career milestone or accomplishment that you’re most proud of?

DM: Right now, I think I’m most proud of creating my business and getting it off the ground. I want an art empire so have lots of ambition and motivation. The art world is filled with opportunity and I want to bring art into the gen-x world in a way that’s accessible.

We’ve always dreamed of collecting art but don’t know where or how to start. HELP!

DM: Stop dreaming and get out there! Do your research by going online and in person. Start by checking out art websites that are content-driven like Wondereur, Art Bomb and Artsy and of course, go to galleries. Art fairs are also amazing for seeing some many artists in one area. Toronto Art Fair is coming up and I suggest everyone to attend.

A great way to start a conversation about a specific piece is to explain why it is intriguing to you. Give us an idea of what is attracting you to this painting. This way you are letting the consultant know what interests you which then, in turn, will help us explain more about the piece and also show you additional similar pieces that might pique your interest.

Do you have any tips for displaying art beautifully without spending a fortune on frames?

DM: Buying a painting on stretched canvas does not require a frame and it’s easy to hang. Both big in my books. Try to keep costs down by purchasing art that is standard size and that doesn’t require custom framing. With design, keep it simple.

Toronto artists that we NEED to check out RIGHT NOW?

DM: My eye loves art work that develops over time. I love looking into a painting and noticing something new each time. I like a painting to engage my senses and tease me with emotions.

With that said I think Katie Pretti is one of my favourite abstract painters. She uses soft feminine brush strokes to create impactful layers of beauty. Her paintings are sensual and powerful.

Sheila Gregory is fucking awesome. Also an abstract painter, she uses bold techniques that have layers of layers of detail. Her large black and white paintings create a tension and energy that’s so organic.

Jen Mann is also one cool girl. She creates emotional large scale portraiture pieces that -especially as a woman – I can relate to. She is so open and honest in her paintings that it evokes questions. I love the juxtaposition between the detailed figure and stark background.

If you don’t know these artists you should. Steve Driscoll and Thrush Holmes. These guys will be in our history books and are creating massive waves outside of Canada right now.

Do you have any advice for young women considering a career in art consulting?

DM: My advice is to look for a mentor and learn from them. I don’t think that advice is specific to art but in general you want to surround yourself with good direction. My mentor, James Baird, has been instrumental to my success.

What is art?

DM: Art is everywhere, you just need to see and be open to it.

Aaaaand, guess what? Deanne is having a party this Thursday night and you’re all invited!

See you there!unnamed