Today we’d like to introduce you to Dina Brown.
Hi Dina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started out in the art business as a broker in the early 1990s, selling mostly modern and commerical art. In 2004, I opened a gallery in mid-city and sold contemporary art, offering works by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring, to name a few. The decision to pursue a career as an art appraiser initially stemmed from the desire to enhance the range of in-house services I offered to my clients.
I enrolled in an online course with the International Society of Appraisers in 2013 and completed the course a few months later. Over the next five years, my appraisal assignments grew to such a degree that I felt more at home as an appraiser than as an art dealer. At the end of 2018, I closed my gallery and directed my energies and efforts toward continuing to expand my reputation as a dedicated art appraiser. In 2019, I earned a secondary credential with the Appraisers Association of America.
I’ve now been a professional art appraiser for over ten years and have provided valuations for over 650M in personal property to private individuals, institutions, attorneys, corporations, and insurance providers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m happy to report it has been a smooth road! For me, selling art is a much more challenging profession than appraising. I love assisting clients with their appraisal needs. The most complex assignments are usually the most rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
In the United States, there are three prominent appraisal organizations: The International Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America, and the American Society of Appraisers. Personal property appraisers operate under a “qualified” status rather than being subject to licensing requirements. To maintain this qualified status, adherence to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) is mandatory. USPAP serves as a comprehensive framework that outlines the standards and protocols governing the preparation of appraisal reports. Within the appraisal organizations themselves, personal property appraisers have the opportunity to attain certification or accreditation. For instance, I hold the designation of Certified Appraiser of Personal Property (CAPP) within the International Society of Appraisers and am recognized as an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America.
Personal property appraisers specialize in a diverse range of areas. While the majority concentrate their expertise in either fine arts or decorative arts and antiques, there exists a wide array of specialized fields, including, but not limited to, gems and jewelry, African art, Asian art, wine, arms and ammunition, silver, livestock, and various other categories. Typically, appraisers refrain from engaging in the direct sale of the items they appraise. Nevertheless, we are often well positioned to offer recommendations regarding potential avenues for selling valuable assets.
My specialization centers on 20th-century art, encompassing modern, contemporary, and ultra-contemporary art. Artists I’ve appraised encompass works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, Ed Ruscha, David Hockney, Andy Warhol, and numerous others.
Personal property appraisers prepare appraisal reports tailored to specific uses. These reports serve various functions, including aiding clients in securing adequate insurance coverage, ascertaining fair market values for purposes such as equitable distribution, estate tax assessment, estate planning, donations, or asset planning. Additionally, appraisers play a crucial role in assisting individuals with damage and loss claims resolution.
It’s a pleasure to assist clients with their appraisal needs. Many appraisals are requested under difficult circumstances, either because the items have been damaged or stolen or there’s a divorce or a death. In these cases, it’s important to be extra thoughtful and compassionate.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
There’s so much information associated with the art world that an appraiser should be aware of Market trends, economic forces (both domestic and international), record breakers at auctions, notable auctions, etc. I look at sales from both Sotheby’s and Christes, I read articles from The Art Newspaper, Hyperallergic, Artnews, Art Tactic, and many others, in addition to reading the LA and NY Times.
I love art documentaries! Made You Look, AKA Mr. Chow, This is a Robbery, The Rape of Europa, The Price of Everything, Ai Weiwei Never Sorry, Salt of the Earth, all of these are really compelling art stories!
The last documentary I saw was a 3D movie by Wim Wenders about Anselm Kiefer, titled Anselm, which was extraordinary! I had never seen 3D utilized in such a manner. It created a very intimate and moving portrait of the artist and his work.
Recently, I created a blog on my website with a focus on stories related to LA, inspired by either news stories, books or documentaries.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dinabrownartappraisals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinabrownartappraisals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinaBrownArtAppraisals/
Image Credits
Jean-Michel Basquiat, Per Capita, 1983/2004, limited edition
David Hockney, from the Yosemite series No. 23, limited edition
Ed Ruscha, Standard Station, 1969, limited edition
Andy Warhol, Gold Marilyn, 1962, silkscreen and acrylic on canvas
Andy Warhol, Queen Elizabeth, 1985, limited edition
