Leif Hagen Art Collector
I met Leif Hagen through Instagram and over the years he has become a friend and one of my most wonderful collectors. Artists often ask me how to find collectors and I always tell them, they will find you. It is important to build a relationship with your collectors because it becomes more than buying art, art is what connects us to begin with, the rest is a bonus. I asked Leif if he would be my first interview for this new Art Talk ‘Art Collector’ Series and he of course said yes because he’s the best! Leif’s support and passion for art and artists is evident on his Instagram - nordicartcollector. I look forward to seeing his posts because they make me happy!
We message and email each other regularly and we have plans for a studio visit sometime in the near future. I am truly thankful for Leif, he makes this world much brighter with his fun loving presence!
Read Leif’s art collector story below along with great pictures of his amazing art collection.
Leif Hagen, Minnesota
Instagram Name: @nordicartcollector (follow me)
Leif Hagen grew up in Wisconsin and studied foreign languages at St. Olaf College in Minnesota. After teaching languages in Switzerland and Japan, he began his financial services career in the Twin Cities of Minnesota in 1992. He enjoys art, classical music, foreign travel and foreign languages. He speaks German, Swedish, French and Japanese.
What type of art do you love? Although I have two fabulous bronze sculptures, I really love original paintings. I prefer colorful, cheerful works often with a more realistic feel. I have many “faces,” places and some abstracts.
When did you start collecting? I’ve been collecting since the 1990s; however, in the last 3 years my art collections at home and my office have exploded in volume.
Do you remember the first piece of art that you collected? One of my first pieces, I received as a gift from some of my favorite relatives in Sweden when I visited them in 1987. It’s a screen printed painting on linen of the “Steps of life” done in the Swedish “Kurbits” style from the mid-1800s. My father stretched in onto a wooden frame. It has hung in my dining room with love since 1994.
How do you find the art that you collect? I have art from art fairs, artist exhibit openings, global travel, galleries, online galleries, Facebook, Instagram and Etsy. Some of my pieces were commissioned directly with the artist. I buy what I like and mostly I’m quite decisive about my purchases.
What do you recommend to art collectors starting out their collection? It seems obvious but buy what you like and something you can hang on your walls and enjoy every day!
What do you think draws you to a painting you want to collect? The colors, feeling and my ability to understand and appreciate it. I’m less drawn to dark work or very abstract paintings.
Was there a particular piece of art that triggered your passion? I bought a painting from Paris through the Singulart online art gallery. That sparked my passion to acquiring original painting which continues today. However, now my walls are full at home and at my office.
Did you visit art museums and galleries as a child? I did visit some art museums a bit as a kid. But after taking a fantastic art history class in college, then I began to really enjoy and appreciate art even more.
Did a family member introduce you to love of art, or did you discover it yourself? I discovered art myself. I have three daughters and my second daughter loves art. I’m hoping my other two will learn to love and appreciate art, too.
Can you share some artists in your collection? Now that my walls are full of paintings from floor to ceiling, I plan to “upgrade” my art. Some art pieces will be gifted to family or friends while some other pieces will begin to be rotated. I have even given away a few art pieces in silent auction fundraisers.
Is there an artist you let get away and now cannot collect? A very handsome portrait of a Nordic fisherman was bought before I could buy it from the Lost Art Salon gallery in San Francisco because I hesitated too long to buy it.
Is there a particular artist whose work you have acquired the most? Although I tend to buy art from many different artists even in different countries, I do have 6 paintings from Lesley Grainger and 8 paintings from Annie Young. Annie is a very good, local Minnesota friend who is a painter. My collection is very diverse and eclectic.
Has collecting changed for you through the years? I’m getting more selective. I’m trying to be less “impulsive” about my new acquisitions.
Which websites do you navigate to stay on top of your collecting? www.Singulart.com and Instagram
Do you live with your art or is it stored? I do not store any of my art. I enjoy my art at home and my office every day. My office assistant and clients also enjoy my office art.
Which artists are on your radar to collect in the near future? I’m considering more art from South America in addition to my pieces from Brazil, Cuba and Argentina.
Is there anything else you would like to share about being a collector? At the end of my workday, I often walk past my paintings and admire them before I turn off the lights and go home. I’m a committed art / artist supporter and promoter. I think people see and sense that on my IG page.
To follow Leif Hagan’s beautifully curated art collection, click here to go to his Instagram
Please leave comments or questions, we are happy to respond. Thank you for reading!
