Why I Love Collecting Art
I grew up in a home that didn’t have much of an appreciation for art. When I was a teenager and brought home a print of Vincent Van Gogh’s, “Sunflowers” to hang on my wall my mom asked me why I bought it. She said, “It was dark, depressing, and ugly.” I loved it, hung it on my wall, and enjoyed looking at it every day.
Then I took an Art History class in college. I sat in the back of the room planning to be as disengaged as possible and then the instructor turned on a projector and began to click through picture after picture. My entire view of the world changed in that class. As I examined each painting, I could actually feel my brain activated as neurons were making startling, new connections.
I felt that for the first time someone else saw what I saw and that others saw what I didn’t. At that time, I took long walks and runs throughout the neighborhood and studied the trees.
Then when I saw Emily Carr’s work, I thought she sees the 17 shades of green I see in the trees and was excited. I decided that my home would be a projection of this natural world.
My friend at Park West helped me start off by getting me my first piece. I'm still gratefull for her help!
This is where my love of art collecting began. I collect two basic types of art. I collect nature photos, painting, drawings, and prints from a variety of artists. I also have a collection of Mary Engelbreit’s art work
There are many reasons I have chosen to have an art collection that focuses on nature. I love to think of seeing one object from a variety of perspectives. For example, many artists with a Japanese focus tend to draw or paint landscapes from a distance. As I look at the Japanese nature perspective, I can imagine seeing the world of nature from a large mountain.
In contrast, an artist like Emily Carr focuses her lens closely to one tree. Viewers can see every aspect of the tree, from the 17 shades of green to the gnarled roots. Both perspectives have value and collecting art reminds me to value each others perspectives because each person has something valid and worthwhile to say.
I also collect nature art because it is in nature that I feel closest to my Higher Power. When I am at home and feeling exhausted and fed up I can just lay back and look at these nature photos, drawings, paintings, and prints and remind myself of what’s important, good, and lasting in this world. Collecting art and using that art to create a sanctuary in my home has helped me to stay motivated when all seems lost.
I also collect Mary Engelbreit’s drawings and artwork because her art makes me smile. She has all these whimsical pictures of childhood with quotes attached. I love that even since I first saw her work at one of Park West Galleries philanthropic events. I am also a reader and I love that she attaches these quotes to her whimsical pictures.
At the end of the day, collecting art enhances my daily life because it has made my home the sanctuary I have always dreamed of living in. My art collection reminds of the striking, beauty of the natural world and most important of all it reminds me of what is good and has lasting value in the world.