What does it take to build a career in the art world and help people find the art that speaks to them? For Senior Curator India Balyejusa, the answer started at home with a creative mother and an early understanding that you don’t have to make beautiful things to be moved by them.Discover her path into curation, what she looks for in an artist’s portfolio, and the piece she finally bought after years of having it saved in her favorites.How did you become involved in the art world, and what drew you to curating? My mom is an architect and a generally creative person. Growing up, we would go to museums and galleries and discuss art, but I never really connected with making it myself. I used to cut up all her read magazines and collect all the clothing, art, and furniture that were beautiful to me. When I went to college, studying art history felt like an exciting prospect and a way to be involved in a creative field, but not having to be the creator. While studying, I interned at a couple of museums and galleries, an art magazine, and with a high school art teacher. I really felt drawn to the business side of gallery work, and, of course, I loved the aspect of collecting all the things that are beautiful to me.What advice would you give to someone buying their first piece of art?If you’re nervous or price-conscious, invest in something small! You’ll be much more excited about a piece that you really connect with than with something that just fills the space or matches your furniture.What’s currently hanging in your own home, and why did you choose it?I’m also just a beginner! I have a reproduction of Harriet Powers’ Bible Quilt in my bedroom. It’s a funny story, actually. My friend brought me to view one at a local store just because she saw it and thought of me; unknown to her, we had been using it as a bedspread for the past year without any knowledge of its historic significance. It has an exquisite, minimal color palette, and I connect to the theme because of my faith. I have a few other small, artist-produced prints and crafts that I’ve purchased at pop-up art shows. These all remind me of the various places we’ve lived and traveled. My very first ‘real’ art purchase was just last year. We bought our first home and decided to purchase an Elina Evstig painting that I had had in my favorites on Saatchi Art for years.How do you think art enriches our daily lives? So many of the things we purchase and own are mass-produced and cheap, so it’s refreshing to spend time with masterful, unique objects. Artwork elevates, sets a tone, and starts a conversation. Hanging a painting or putting a sculpture on a pedestal makes a space feel more permanent and planned; it settles the mind.What do you enjoy most about working with artists and collectors?One of the best things about my job is that I can play a small role in helping artists earn a living (or part of a living) doing what they love. Our artists are from all over the world, from such diverse backgrounds, but they all share the desire to create. It’s an honor to be involved in making that happen for them and helping collectors share in that rewarding opportunity as well! Saatchi Art offers the space to make those connections that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.What’s one thing you look at in an artist’s portfolio that tells you they’re going somewhere?Paradoxically, we look for consistency and progression. It takes a lot of time, effort, study, and practice to develop a personal style, compositional excellence, and accomplished technique. It’s really great to see an artist hone in on a particular vision. It’s equally exciting to see them then evolve and explore a new compositional series. History has shown us that not all ‘great’ artists actually go somewhere, but that doesn’t diminish the personal pleasure for those who did collect their work.What’s your approach to mixing different styles or mediums in one space?I’m not a big fan of matching. In my experience, the furniture, artwork, and colors you like will make a setting that feels complete. You might need to bring in some small touches to tie things together, but don’t be afraid to make bold choices based on what you’re drawn to. Regarding mediums, I think it all works! If you want to have all watercolor paintings, that could be great, or it’s fine to mix it up with each piece being a different medium! The post Meet the Curators: Senior Curator India Balyejusa appeared first on Canvas: A Blog By Saatchi Art.