We continue on Day 3 of Houston Week with a conversation with Texas native and art advisor Illa Gaunt. Illa holds several degrees and has over fifteen years of experience in the art world in both galleries and major auction houses. She has developed a following on Instagram for her fascinating mini art history lessons, which is how we found her! Illa’s goal is to help people not be intimidated by art and curating a personal collection. We talk about how and where to buy art, putting a contemporary spin on family portraits, inspiring art in children, and more.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:


Trials & Triumphs about dust jackets on books, a black cat on a white sofa, spring planting projects, and some funny decorating videos on designer Kevin Isbell’s Instagram.

More about Illa’s art history lessons on Instagram.

How Illa got into her field.

How does Illa know when art is “right” for her client?

Should we think of art as an investment when we buy it?

How does an emerging artist really catch Illa’s eye?

How to reframe and modernize family portraits.

What Illa says to people who think they can do contemporary art themselves.

What are some general guidelines to have for an art budget?

Tips for where to buy art and how to get a checklist from a gallery.

How is Illa instilling a love for art in children?

Does Illa save all of her children’s artwork?


Mentioned in This Episode:
Illa Gaunt Art
Illa Gaunt Instagram
Artsy