COLLECTOR EDITION | Merrie Beasley

An Insight into Art Consultant and Collector Merrie Beasley’s Personal Art Collection.

October 9, 2024

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“Art isn’t decoration; it has the ability to reflect who you are. In this way I love seeing how others curate their spaces.”
Merrie Beasley is a vibrant participant in the art world, working as an art consultant at Otomys and passionately collecting unique pieces that resonate deeply. Her relationship with art is not merely a hobby; it’s an exhilarating journey that has unfolded over decades and across continents. For Merrie, art is a source of excitement and joy, a philosophy that permeates her life and home.

Merrie’s home is a living canvas, where her art collection offers more than decoration, the value is found in a reflection of her life narrative. A stunning example of this is her beloved Murano vase, a birthday gift to herself from Venice that she lovingly shipped back to Australia. “I’ve placed this in the same room as my triptych titled 'Containers at Romae' by Lindsay Blamey,” she says, illustrating the meaningful connections between pieces within her collection.
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Merrie’s passion for art was ignited at a young age, inspired by her mother’s work as a frame maker and an early fascination with architecture and antiques. This foundational interest has supported a diverse and eclectic collection that includes contemporary paintings, sculpture, ceramics, antiques and unique collectible design pieces, all echoing Merrie's personality and travels. “Traveling is my absolute love, I collect art that tells a story,” she notes.
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“When we down-scaled, we made the house fit the art, not the other way around.”
Merrie vividly recalls the moment she decided her living space would showcase their striking large scale Dale Frank painting. She arranged for the artwork to be craned into their apartment and even had a doorway bricked up to ensure a perfect fit. “It’s the one piece we’ve kept for 20 years across three different homes. We’ve taken it with us; it’s the centrepiece of our collection,” she explains. Merrie captures the thrill of discovery that comes with art: “I love that feeling when you walk into a gallery, and there’s that one work that just makes you gasp.” This dedication to her collection reflects a lifelong pursuit of beauty and wonder.
“I’ve always been drawn to large works and striking pieces that demand attention.”
Merrie’s collection is also defined by her love for bold colours and striking statement pieces. “I’ve always been drawn to large works and striking pieces that demand attention,” she asserts, believing that “a bit of boldness and colour can completely transform a space.” With expansive walls in her home, she naturally gravitates toward art that infuses energy and life into her surroundings.

“In our old house, I woke up one day after watching Moulin Rouge and decided to paint our entire living room pink!” she exclaims with a sparkle in her eye. When her husband returned home he asked, “Why’s the dining room half pink?” By the next day, he suggested repainting it white… but the next day, unwavering in her commitment, Merrie had the second coat of rich raspberry pink painted on!
As an art consultant, Merrie is also a guiding light for aspiring collectors. She encourages them to embrace their unique tastes without hesitation. Merrie’s advice is refreshingly simple: avoid being paralysed by indecision and focus on what resonates with you. “Just buy what you love,” she emphasises, a mantra that has driven her own remarkable journey through the world of art.

Merrie Beasley embodies the spirit of joyful exploration in the art world, proving that every collection can be a vibrant reflection of its curator. Through her experiences, she invites us all to find our own excitement and joy in art, reminding us that the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.

Documentation by Anu Kumar
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