ARTISTS and/or ART PEOPLE: Has anyone else received a letter like this? Is this some sort of scam or spam email maybe? In my 20+ years as a working artist and art gallery representative, I have sold hundreds of pieces of art--my own along with several other artists works, yet Ive never received a letter like this before. Granted, I am pretty sleep deprived at the moment, and this may make perfect sense to clearer heads, but I just read this twice and Im still not entirely sure exactly what theyre asking me for (or why). Is it a standard business practice for artists to have that type of notarized documentation on hand for each of their art pieces??? If so, Ive been doing my art career wrong for years. Jeez. Below is the letter Im referring to. Thanks for your input. ~Chad Dear Mr. Beroth, My partner and I have been quietly following your work for quite some time, and we have been eyeing two of your works in particular. Your works titled, Apple Tree and Gabis World. We would like this email to stand as inquiry regarding your asking price including shipping, insurance, crating, taxes, customs fees, handling, surcharges, third party commissions, and any other applicable charges or fees. At this time we would like only your bottom line figure, and we will not require a cost summary breakdown unless we choose to make an offer. In order for an offer to be made, our partnership will require proper and separate documentation for both Apple Tree and Gabis World. We deem proper documentation to be the works original notarized authenticity certification; which must clearly state the date of creation, the location of creation, the materials used, and of course, that you, Chad Beroth, are the sole creator of each of these works of art. Further, if either of these works have been out of your possession, but remained your property for any length of time and for any reason whatsoever since creation, we will also require documentation as to the dates and location(s) they have been (in storage, on display, etc.). And if owned by a third party at any time since their creation, a list of their owners, temporary or otherwise, including private owners, museums, galleries, and consignment shops will be required and must be certified by notary. If these works are properly certified, and all applicable ownership and history paperwork is in order, we would like to set up a time to video chat with you to discuss the possible purchase of one or both of these very attractive and intriguing works of art. Yours Sincerely, George Mikel Bauer and Poju Zabludowicz
Posted on: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 06:13:36 +0000