I became an art collector because I fell in love. One summer twenty-five years ago I was studying at NAU in Flagstaff, Arizona. While walking on a wooden sidewalk, I wandered into a shop filled with Indian artifacts, turquoise jewelry and a few paintings. On the wall I saw a piece that made my heart stop! I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. Pastel-hued acrylic on French rag paper that resembled a Navajo rug with tiny people at the bottom and the same people on top as if in heaven.
Throughout that summer I kept going back to visit it. After I passed my statistics course, my study group convinced me to buy it. I used a credit card and drove it home to San Diego. It has had a place of honor in my life ever since.
How to buy original art:
Don’t rush to fill that vacant spot
Pay attention
Fall in love
It’s not about what it’s worth but how much you like it
Meet the artist if possible.
Don’t rely on the internet. You’ll miss out on the texture.
*Rug Motif by William Franklin, Navajo
What a beautiful piece of artwork! I can see why you fell in love with it! I agree…even during years when economical times are tough, I’m grateful for the pieces of art that surround me. Everyday they give me enjoyment as spiritual uplifting and inspiration.
Amazing how much your life can be impacted by a piece of artwork, or for that matter, the people that surround that piece of art that makes it come alive.
Yes, I have wonderful memories of the friendships I made from that summer when I bought the piece.
Yes, me too. I went back several times for classes in chemistry. The beauty of the southwest stays with you, doesn’t it?