Looking to invest in that piece of canvas or that amazing sculpture? Dr. Pwee Kheng Hock, partner of Utterly Art and FOST Gallery’s Stephanie Fong shares with some expert advice.

A Good Investment?
Do bear in mind that art is a fairly illiquid asset. But with some foresight and luck, that piece of yours may bring you a profit down the road. In the meantime however, do not deprive yourself of enjoying the aesthetic beauty of the artwork. Look upon yourself as a guardian: With good care, the artwork will be your legacy to your children, the next collector(s) or the public, if it is bequeathed to a museum. But as with all classes of investments, there are no guarantees and the doctrine of caveat emptor definitely applies. Here then are four tips to keep in mind when shopping for art.
 

1. Have a Passion

Identify something that you are passionate about. It could be, for example, collecting nature-based artworks or supporting local artists. If it’s the latter, then do some research on the artists themselves to see who’s in and who’s out. Like what and who you buy, as they can be on your wall for a long time.
 

2. Follow Art Trends

Bone up on the latest art news and trends. Collecting art should be about the thrill you get when you find something that you absolutely love and can’t live without. Who knows, in 10 years that piece might even become famous!
 

3. Decide on a Budget
It’s not true that you need to have deep pockets to be an art collector. Establish your budget first, then buy the best you can afford.
 

4. Do your Homework
Shop around and compare prices. If the gallery is in a swank shopping center with enormous rental costs, chances are you’re paying extra to help keep them in the mall. Secondly, as most art works are unique you’ll need to ask yourself if the perceived value of the artwork (i.e. how much you like it) far outweighs its actual value (i.e. the actual price).

Don’t leave those sweet memories languishing on your hard drive—print them! From scanning, copying and printing, we got all your needs covered.

Canon PIXMA MG8170
Canon’s Pixma MG8170 is a capable workhorse that will improve the efficiency of any office or work-at-home setup. Not only is it a lightning-fast all-in-one, but it also has a broader range of features than most other AIOs.Beyond just printing still photos, the PIXMA MG6170 and MG8170 boast a Full HD Movie Print feature that prints still images taken from HD video footage captured by a Canon digital camera.
$549 from Challenger, #02-34/35 VivoCity, 1 Harbour Front Walk, 6376-6100.

HP ENVY 100 e-All-in-One printer
HP has left no stone unturned with its newly-arrived, all-in-one machine which is the first web-connected, cloud print-enabled printer that allows you to print wirelessly from anywhere in the world. iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users with iOS 4.2 can also print and directly their devices. How’s that for connectivity?
Available from end November for $469 from Best Denki, #05-01/05 Takashimaya Shopping Centre,
391 Orchard Rd., 6835-2855.

Epson Stylus Photo TX700W
As far as looks goes, Epson’s Stylus Photo TX700W, with its Italian designed exterior (by award-winning Italian designer Castiglione Morelli), is a winner. But beyond the shiny ebony surface, lies a very competent inkjet printer that spurts out ultra-fast high definition prints. Apart from Wi-Fi connectivity, Ethernet and USB printing, direct printing from memory cards is also possible via built-in card slots and a 2.5-inch LCD screen.
$428 from Best Denki (contact info as above).
 

The latest addition to Zouk’s stable of quality residents, Tirso Garcia aka JNR, has stepped up the plate to become one of Singapore’s next electronic dance music purveyors. Just as the Canadian-Filipino Singaporean permanent resident is culturally and ethically mixed, he is also musically diverse. From being exposed at the tender age of 11 to the sounds of Run DMC, The Cure and Herbie Hancock; to being immersed in club bangers from Chicago warehouse, New York garage and Detroit house and techno when he started mixing proper; JNR sure knows his way around the music. His current musical palate has grown to include soul, funk, disco and rare grooves. “It’s house music that you can’t tell if it was made in 1988 or 2010 which I dig. I like the periodic vagueness,” he says.

JNR’s top five selections:

“Just A Groove” by Glen Adams Affair
This to me is typical Friday / DISCO:VERY anthem. It's feel good boogie that makes everyone dance!

“Flashlight (JNR's Edit)” by Parliament
I recently did a re-edit of this for my Gilles Peterson WorldWide Fest set and fell in love with it again. I gave it the thump that it deserves and a hip hop swing to the beat.

“Work That Body (Larry Levan Mix)” by Taana Gardner
Another gem, that though it is an oldie, is poised to be a future classic anthem for Fridays.

“Just A Touch” by Slave
One of my musical influences and another block party jam. Need I say more?

“I'll Do Anything For You Part 2” by Lee Mc Donald
There's nothing like that happy Philly soul / disco sound to get me through the day. You can also expect to be uplifted by this song on any given Friday at Velvet by yours truly.