Collector's Gene Radio: Episode Summary

Title: Chelsea Naseeb - Founder, Tappan
Host: Cameron Ross Steiner
Release Date: July 30, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Collector's Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner sits down with Chelsea Naseeb, the visionary founder of Tappan. Chelsea, a former painter, has revolutionized the art collecting landscape by bridging the gap between emerging artists and global collectors. This conversation delves deep into Chelsea's journey, the ethos behind Tappan, and her insights into the evolving world of art collecting.

The Genesis of Tappan

Chelsea's transition from an artist to a founder was fueled by her firsthand experiences in the art world. Reflecting on her early days, Chelsea shares:

"I felt like the path to success was pretty unclear from the artist perspective and then also from the collector perspective. Access to great work felt slightly out of reach." (02:16)

Recognizing the barriers faced by both artists and collectors, especially before the advent of platforms like Instagram, Chelsea identified a pressing need for a more accessible and inclusive art marketplace.

Artistic Sensibility in Curation

Chelsea attributes much of Tappan's success to her background as a painter. Her deep understanding of artistic processes and challenges has been instrumental in shaping Tappan's model:

"We're built to support an artist's studio practice so that they can spend more time making and less time doing admin operations, sales, and all of that." (04:06)

This dual perspective ensures that Tappan not only showcases exceptional art but also nurtures the artists behind the creations.

Redefining the Art Marketplace

Challenging the traditional gallery system, Tappan positions itself as a complementary platform within the broader art ecosystem. Chelsea explains:

"We think of ourselves as like the beginning of a funnel. And a lot of our collectors will start collecting with us and then will continue collecting with us and get their feet under them." (11:09)

By offering a transparent and accessible platform, Tappan democratizes art buying, making original works from emerging artists attainable to a wider audience.

Maintaining Intimacy and Trust

Navigating the often transactional nature of art collecting, Tappan emphasizes personal connections and storytelling. Chelsea highlights the importance of these relationships:

"The uniqueness of an original work... there's just so many layers of value in a unique work." (08:53)

Through dedicated art advisors and in-depth artist narratives, Tappan fosters a sense of intimacy and trust, ensuring collectors feel connected to both the art and its creators.

Transforming Initial Buyers into Lifelong Collectors

Chelsea delves into the factors that encourage first-time buyers to become dedicated collectors. Key elements include the surprise and delight of receiving a piece that surpasses online expectations and the evolving narratives of artists:

"Feeling like you caught that early and you're curious to see where they're going or how their work progresses." (16:09)

This journey, marked by personal connections and the growth of artists, enriches the collector's experience, transforming purchases into meaningful investments.

Case Studies: Artists Who Flourished with Tappan

Highlighting success stories, Chelsea discusses artists like Heather Day and Johnny Cheatwood, whose careers have blossomed through Tappan:

"Heather Day... she's showing with Berggruen Gallery, she's showing internationally." (18:11)

These examples underscore Tappan's role in identifying and nurturing talent, providing a launchpad for artists to achieve broader recognition.

Navigating the Evolution of Artists

As artists grow and sometimes transition to major galleries, Chelsea views these developments as positive for all parties involved:

"It's really part of the ecosystem. I like to think of it, and we really see it as a win that we spotted them early." (20:35)

Tappan celebrates these milestones, recognizing that their initial support contributes to the artists' long-term success.

Curatorial Process and Instinct

Tappan's selection of new artists is driven by a blend of instinctual judgment and strategic diversity:

"Is it good? That's the first and foremost filter for so much of what we're looking through." (21:59)

Chelsea emphasizes the importance of uniqueness and authenticity, ensuring that each artist's essence is genuinely represented on the platform.

Balancing Trends and Timelessness

While aware of current trends, Tappan prioritizes longevity and relevance over fleeting popularity:

"In general, we are not trend focused... but because it's relevant to that moment." (24:05)

This approach ensures that the platform remains a staple for collectors seeking enduring and meaningful art.

Expanding into the Physical Realm

In 2023, Tappan inaugurated its first physical gallery in Los Angeles, enhancing the collector experience by providing a tangible connection to the artwork:

"People love coming in, they love seeing the work in person, probably more than I had anticipated." (25:07)

This expansion underscores the importance of community and direct engagement in fostering deeper connections between artists and collectors.

Facilitating Collector-Artist Interactions

Tappan fosters an environment where collectors can engage directly with artists, preserving the personal bonds that are often lost in larger gallery settings:

"I find most of our artists very willing [to converse with collectors]." (29:10)

This openness enhances the collecting experience, making it more than a mere transaction but a meaningful dialogue.

Evolving Collector Demographics

Chelsea observes a shift in the collector landscape, with a new generation seeking ease and authenticity over traditional, often elitist, gallery experiences:

"They're not as interested in the elbow rubbing of the past." (31:11)

Tappan adapts to these changing preferences, ensuring relevance and accessibility for contemporary collectors.

Defining a Great Collection

For Chelsea, a remarkable collection is a testament to time and personal passion:

"A great collection is bought over time... you bought it because you loved it." (32:49)

This philosophy emphasizes authenticity and personal connection, making each collection a unique narrative of the collector's journey.

Collector’s Gene Rundown

In a light-hearted segment, Chelsea shares personal insights into her collecting ethos:

• One That Got Away: Chelsea regrets not acquiring works from artist Sanaa Gataneha during his time with Tappan.

• On Deck Circle: With home renovations underway, Chelsea is keen on collecting pieces that enhance her entertaining spaces.

• The Unobtainable: Chelsea dreams of adorning her dining room with Monet's lilies, envisioning a space akin to the museum.

• Page One Rewrite: Given unlimited resources, Chelsea would delve into vintage car collecting, favoring brands like Porsche and Mercedes.

• The GOAT: Alice Walton stands out as Chelsea's collector role model for her support of American artists and philanthropic endeavors.

• The Hunt vs. Ownership: Chelsea revels in the hunt, especially in discovering new artists, over the mere ownership of art.

• Collector's Gene: Chelsea humbly considers the collector's gene as something nurtured through passion and effort rather than innate.

Conclusion

Chelsea Naseeb's journey with Tappan exemplifies a harmonious blend of artistic passion and entrepreneurial spirit. By prioritizing accessibility, personal connections, and authenticity, Tappan has carved a niche in the art world, empowering both artists and collectors alike. This episode offers invaluable insights into the future of art collecting, emphasizing that the true essence of a great collection lies in the stories and connections it embodies.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I felt like the path to success was pretty unclear from the artist perspective and then also from the collector perspective." (02:16)

• "We're built to support an artist's studio practice so that they can spend more time making and less time doing admin operations, sales, and all of that." (04:06)

• "We think of ourselves as like the beginning of a funnel." (11:09)

• "The uniqueness of an original work... there's just so many layers of value in a unique work." (08:53)

• "Feeling like you caught that early and you're curious to see where they're going or how their work progresses." (16:09)

• "It's really part of the ecosystem. I like to think of it, and we really see it as a win that we spotted them early." (20:35)

• "Is it good? That's the first and foremost filter for so much of what we're looking through." (21:59)

• "In general, we are not trend focused... but because it's relevant to that moment." (24:05)

• "People love coming in, they love seeing the work in person, probably more than I had anticipated." (25:07)

• "A great collection is bought over time... you bought it because you loved it." (32:49)

Note: Timestamps are provided in (MM:SS) format for easy reference.