Janet Sirmon – Owner of Janet Sirmon Fine Art

Janet Sirmon, the owner of Janet Sirmon Fine Art, is one of the industry’s most respected and knowledgeable fine art photography dealers. With an expansive and exceptionally detailed understanding of the many distinct eras and movements within the medium, Ms. Sirmon, a graduate of the Pratt Institute, has truly earned her distinguished reputation among museum curators and private collectors.

1. What are some things that you love?

Of course, my love of fine art photography has been a driving force throughout my professional career, and I am certainly grateful that my entrepreneurial sensibilities have made it possible to devote the entirety of my professional life to photography through Janet Sirmon Fine Art. Although it does come close, fine art photography is not the only pursuit I enjoy, as I am also quite fond of yoga, running, and music.

2. What’s your favorite film?

At the risk of falling victim to recency bias, “Paterson,” Jim Jarmusch’s most recent film, was a masterful cinematic effort and will certainly remain one of my most treasured film experiences. It’s humane and incredibly grounded in every way, and every last detail makes a substantial contribution to what most would call a slow-paced narrative. The creative process is at the core of this film, and, given my profession, I was struck by the subtle celebration of the everyday art and artists that so many seem to overlook.

3. What do you wish you knew before starting a business?

Even though I was aware that this business would be a time-consuming endeavor, I didn’t understand how difficult it is to take time away from the business and its day-to-day operations. It was very early on in my career that I learned to consciously take a step back in order to properly reflect while also recharging my batteries, so to speak.

4. What’s your favorite thing about working in your industry?

The world of fine art is made up of fascinating individuals, and I enjoy having the opportunity to better understand the way they see the world and the many different perspectives they are able to adopt. There is a great deal of passion in this industry, and the people I work with on a daily basis appreciate fine art with incredible depth.

5. What motivates you every day?

Every day is an opportunity for some form of discovery: On any given day, I might discover something I never knew about myself or someone else, and there is always the possibility of discovering a new or overlooked artist or work of art. The seemingly endless possibilities that each new day brings provides more motivation than I could ever need.