To fill every inch of the wall with paintings

Dentist Silvia Brockman is also an avid art collector

Smiling dentist Silvia Brockman brings together her love of art and creativity in all areas of her life. In her working hours, she puts smiles back on the faces of clients at the aesthetic dental clinic, working like a skilled sculptor, and in her spare time she fills her office and home with artworks by Czech and Slovak artists. Thanks to the EduArt Start programme, her awareness of the art market has broadened and, as she says, she is growing as a collector.

How did you become interested in art?

I have been artistically inclined since I was a child and collecting is a natural result of this lifelong interest in any form of art. My husband has an art degree, he produces art on a daily basis. I don’t create, but at least I enjoy it and collect it. Until recently, I thought that possessing an artwork by a true artist was unattainable. It was only during the covid pandemics that I bought my first piece. In my previous job we had pieces by our contemporary artists on the walls, and every time I looked at them, I told myself I would like to own them one day. There was a gallery near our apartment where some of these artists’ works were displayed. I used to walk by every day and admire them, until one day I bought a painting there and auctioned off another one. After that, I began to actively seek them out. At that time I had no experience in art trading and I was attracted by the EduArt course. That was exactly what I was missing.

How has EduArt helped you on your collecting journey?

I got the opportunity to meet people who share my passion for art. We all come from completely different professions and that’s why it’s so exciting to connect like this, to meet and talk about art. I really appreciate and enjoy these moments. I think the day when we visited many of the contemporary artists directly in their studios was my favourite. I appreciate that they welcomed us into their space and allowed us to see their creative process. For me, this was something unreachable and extraordinary until then. Besides, by visiting galleries and meeting gallerists in person, we gained valuable contacts and I finally understood how the whole art business actually works. It made no sense to me until then, so all this information is very useful for me.
I learnt that people collect art not just because they like it and want to be surrounded by it, which is my case, but they approach it as a kind of investment. I personally think of buying art more or less emotionally. But thanks to the knowledge I gained during the course, I also try and see it a bit more rationally. I can feel my taste developing.

You have recently acquired a new addition to your collection, a piece by Andrej Dúbravský from his current exhibition at the Telegraph Gallery. What does Andrej Dúbravsky’s work evoke in you and why did you choose this particular painting?

I have been following Andrej’s work for a long time and I really like not only his art, but his personality in general. He is very active on social networks and I have the opportunity to see his creative process. I like that he is down to earth, close to nature and animals. You can see he is happy and enjoys creating, I find this very attractive. I chose his rooster painting. There is no special reason to it, but I like it the most out of his works, even though it was hard to choose from so many wonderful paintings. I believe he has a great potential. I look forward to watching him develop as an artist.

Andrej Dúbravský: Rooster and the Factory, acrylic, oil pastel, canvas, 2024, photo Matěj Doležel

How do you see the importance of supporting Slovak authors and culture in general?

I guess that at the moment artists and culture in general are on the sidelines and the support is very weak and neglected. Also, education is minimal. It must be difficult to pursue only creation until one has made a reputation and a living from art. To get through this period without support is probably impossible. As a layman, I don’t have much experience with this, but being creative is certainly easier when you have emotional as well as financial support.

Where do you see yourself as a collector in a couple of years?

I hope to navigate the global art market as well and acquire some pieces by international artists. So far I have only circled Czechoslovakia, but I have decided to travel more for art and to explore foreign art as well. The plan is to fill every inch of free wall at home and at work. Once I accomplish that, I will probably need a new house, since the idea of storing the works somewhere does not appeal to me yet. I need to be able to see them and enjoy them. That’s my primary reason for collecting in the first place. Every time I look at a favourite painting I am happy and I just need to have them around me.