Meet Lisa Wells of Elizabeth Wells Appraisals & Fine Art Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Wells.

Hi Lisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a fine art appraiser in Los Angeles, lucky to be doing exactly what I have always wanted, be an active participant in the art world. I have a degree in Art History and worked in several capacities in art from independent curator, studio assistant and gallery registrar, before becoming Director of the Michael Kohn Gallery, Los Angeles, for seven years. When I decided to go out on my own I was fortunate to find a mentor and receive contract appraisal work while I built up my own business and client list. I have now been a qualified professional fine art appraiser since 2009 and have expanded my expertise to include consulting and brokering art transactions for my clients, as well as placing artwork for donation. I am grateful to live in Los Angeles, and love exploring near and far, especially going to our many amazing museums and galleries. Even more than that, I adore showing and sharing the art scene with others who are interested in learning more about art.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Lol! Struggles… Actually, all things considered, I am grateful that it really has been fairly smooth going since I went out on my own. I feel fortunate to make a good living, doing what I love, and meeting interesting people, while having the freedom of being my own boss. Though, there have definitely been slow times when I thought maybe my phone was broken, or my email was malfunctioning. Where is everyone and why is no one contacting me?! Is the universe telling me it’s time for a career change?! Then next thing I know, I’m overwhelmed with so much work that I wonder if it’s time to staff-up. I’ve definitely learned that the work always comes and I generally stay quite busy. Thankfully!

As you know, we’re big fans of Elizabeth Wells Appraisals & Fine Art Services. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As a qualified fine art appraiser specializing in appraisals of modern, post-war and contemporary/ultra contemporary fine art of all media from paintings, prints and photography, to sculpture, video works, and site-specific installations, I am fortunate to get a close-up view of many amazing art collections in Los Angeles and beyond. I have prepared appraisals of renowned art collections, as well as single item appraisals for emerging collectors. The largest collection I catalogued and appraised was over 11,000 items for a Los Angeles artist’s estate, and I recently completed an appraisal of a nearly 3,500 item collection of Chicano and Latin art. Then there is always the regular rotation of ‘normal’ size private collections to appraise for insurance, donation, estate or other purposes.

What sets me apart from others? I can’t say for certain how others approach their practices, but as a small firm I am very hands-on with every appraisal. I am extremely conscientious about my work and transparent with my clients about fees and expectations. My approach to valuations and knowledge of the art market is informed by my experiences in different corners of the art world from working behind the scenes in an artist’s studio, to working in galleries and setting pricing, to working with auction houses brokering sales and acquisitions for my clients. And the range of artwork with which I have worked is always expanding, which also informes my approach and work product. I think everyone in my business is passionate about art or we wouldn’t be doing what we do, and my passion for art is in my bones, which compels me to make regular gallery rounds and hit the art fairs, local and international. These outings not only feed my soul, but also inform and expand my knowledge base which goes into my appraisals. I am USPAP qualified (Universal Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) and a member of the Appraiser’s Association of America.

What matters most to you? Why?
In life or in business? I’ll answer re business. Communication and honesty (guess both translate to life as well). I try to be responsive and open with my clients’ inquiries and needs as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. It matters to me to be equally informative and helpful with prospective clients that may not lead to an assignment as my regular clients. You never know where that person may intersect your life again! It matters to me that my work holds up and I feel completely confident in the final product. And why? It’s good for business, but mostly it serves my own conscience at the end of the day.

Pricing:

• Pricing for an art appraisal is dependent on a few factors: The purpose of the assignment, ie Fair Market Value for IRS tax purposes (donation, estate, dissolution etc), or Retail Replacement Value for Insurance purposes. And then the number of works, and the scope of the assignment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ewellsappraisals.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-wells-37371a21