Collecting Art

I've recently been thinking about the act of collecting art and I am extremely excited to show you my newly acquired pieces. On the left is "Communion" by Don Michael, Jr. and on the right is "Simone" by Barbara Muir. It is hard to express in words just how exciting it is to have pieces of original art by artists I admire. Not only are they unique artists with a clear vision of how they see the world, but they are both sincere, genuine, generous people. When I began my blog a year and a half ago I hoped in some way I would be able to tap into the supportive online blogging community, but I never really imagined that I would end up making friends. I've now met Barbara and, I hate to speak for her, but I think we could have spent hours and hours together. And I'd like to think that someday I'll meet Don, but it is not likely that it will be in Canada during the winter! He he. This all got me thinking about how collecting art can be so personal. There is a certain euphoria that comes with collecting original art. To be up close and personal with the colour choices, brushstrokes, texture and composition of an artist makes me feel like I know him/her in an intimate way; and then owning a piece that is one of a kind, well, a person can't get any of these things at the mall!

I've also been thinking about collecting art because I went to the art auction on Sunday (see previous post)... and was that a haven for collectors, or what!? I had no idea what to expect, but I really wanted to check it out and see all of the work that had been selected. The auction was held in an old historic building on the third floor in a huge open room with big beams, dormers and beautiful natural light. There were two musicians playing, wine and punch being served and a delicious catered spread of appetizers. Mmmm. It was quite a classy affair. My husband and I wandered around the viewing area and I was like a kid in a candy store! I kept gasping and swooning over all of the art by established Saskatchewan artists; some of them are even nationally known. They are all highly collectible. After the heart palpitations from being so close to this art subsided, I began to pay attention to the crowd that was gathering. It became pretty clear that this was a "collecting" crowd. And then I honestly broke into a cold sweat! I couldn't remove my jacket because I was drenched!!! I started to hear a little Muppet/Sesame Street voice singing in my head, "One of these kids just ain't like the others; one of these kids just isn't the same..."! All I could think was why on earth would anyone bid on my work when these are the options??? My nerves couldn't take it! Confidence is not my strong suit, so we cleared out a few minutes before the auction started and headed straight to a lounge to get a drink pour moi!!!  Once I gained some perspective I felt so honoured that the two auction curators took a chance on my work and gave me an opportunity to have my work alongside those artists.

The good news came to me yesterday through the grapevine... the auction was a complete sell-out! Everything went, so that is fantastic for Sexual Health Centre Saskatoon, the non-profit that will benefit from the sales. And now I will save some of my pennies so when they hold the next auction in two years, maybe I will stay and bid on something for my collection!

Here are links to some of the fantastic artists that were part of this auction: Ian Rawlinson, Alicia Popoff, Les Potter, Miranda Jones, Greg Hardy, Clint Hunker, Degen Lindner, Anne McElroy, Jan Corcoran, Jane Harington, Terry Fenton, Lorenzo Dupuis, Cindy Pellerin, Marvin Swartz, Dmytro Stryjek, Gale Hagblom