Meet Elizabeth
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the arts. In fact, one of my earliest memories is around age 3, flipping through my dad’s old art history books, which were bigger than I was, and being captivated by Michelangelo’s lifelike marble sculptures and Caravaggio’s intense, dramatic paintings. From that moment on, I’ve been fascinated by mastery of craft and the incredible artistic feats humans can achieve.
This early childhood interest in Old Masters and art in general continued throughout high school, where I took every art class I could, and into college, where I earned one of my degrees in studio art (applied oil painting). That knowledge gained during my BA, including applied arts, art history, and budding connoisseurship, eventually led me to a lifelong career as an art appraiser, where I’ve found a way to connect and uphold the fine art industry I revere.
In addition to a Bachelor in Studio Art, I have 5 years of continuing appraisal related education, achieving Accredited Member status with the International Society of Appraisers in 2020, as well as 7 years of high-level auction experience and 5 years developing IRS/USPAP compliant appraisals. I have been operating my firm since 2019.
Whether I’m discovering important new information about a rare artwork, identifying unusual pieces pieces, or defending an appraised value on behalf of my clients, my work as an appraiser allows me to dive into the history, value, and significance of fine art and other personal property.
Why I Love What I Do
My work is a blend of detective work, problem-solving, organizing data, and generating and defending opinions. It’s not just about appraising items, it’s about reporting insights and value opinions in a way that is backed by evidence (and can stand up in court) in a way that is understandable and accessible to all parties involved. As a child, I loved to debate, and always wanted to be a lawyer. It’s funny now how I’ve found a career that aligns both propensities.
In my day to day work, I get to research fascinating items, collaborate with experts in niche fields, and create beautifully detailed reports that bring clarity and confidence to my clients. Watching these reports come together, sometimes hundreds of pages of meticulous analysis, is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. There’s a certain satisfaction that can only be derived from completing an intensive and challenging project. In my case, that means piecing together tens of thousands of data points to deliver a final estate appraisal report that I know is effective, and which I can proudly stand by.
Transparency & Integrity
I’m also deeply passionate about transparency in the art and collectibles industry. The world of “passion assets,” particularly art, antiques, and other one-of-a-kind property, is tricky to navigate, with a lot of misinformation and opportunistic players. In fact, over 50% of my collector clients fall prey to predatory practices. So, I’m passionate about tactfully helping my clients avoid common pitfalls. From dealers who overvalue items for personal gain, to identifying fake auction results, to unqualified appraisers who give misleading advice, I work to ensure my clients are protected from false information. I do this by providing the facts they need to make smart, informed decisions, including solid, substantiated reports that will withstand scrutiny from the IRS or the courts.
Constant Learning
Outside of appraising, I also love working in the auction industry and thrive on the energy of a live auction, especially being on the auctioneer’s podium. The fine art and antique markets are always evolving—whether it’s shifts in collector tastes, fluctuating supply and demand, sanctions and bans related to specific properties or countries of origin, advancing technology, exposed scandals or malpractice, or changing USPAP and IRS regulations.
For these reasons, an appraiser must be passionate about continual learning. I actively consume market-related content, and every project I take on deepens my expertise and keeps me engaged in the process, either through hands-on experience or education through organizations like the International Society of Appraisers.
Health & Wellness: Finding Balance
While my professional life is demanding and detail-oriented, I’ve learned that maintaining a healthy balance is the key to a peaceful and successful life. I commit time and energy to a variety of wellness habits, including good nutrition, exercise, and meditation, and I encourage others to do the same. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, as well as cooking, often with ingredients I’ve harvested myself. Lastly, my guilty pleasure is binge-watching ridiculous television, my current roster including: Geordie Shore, Jersey Shore, Trailer Park Boys, and of course, The Office.
I believe that humor and balance are the key to showing up as my best self, both in a professional sense but also in a holistic sense. By keeping my cup full, I have the energy I need to support my clients, who are often in periods of transition or loss. By prioritizing well-being, I can bring my best energy and focus to every client interaction and project.
What You Can Expect
At the end of the day, I want my clients to know they’re in good hands. They’re working with someone who’s not only knowledgeable but also approachable, engaged, and genuinely passionate about providing dependable information. I’m here to bring clarity to a complicated and sometimes deceptive industry, and I look forward to making a connection with you.