“I guess a collector
starts to grow up when he finally learns to appreciate paintings he can't own.”
This
has always been one of my favorite statements for a variety of reasons.
First,
while I have certainly aged over the last 45 years of collecting, I’m not sure
that I have really grown up or matured because I still find such total – almost
childlike - delight in discovering an exciting new work by an unknown young
artist and also in seeing the growth and continued development of the artists I
have been privileged to work with over so many years. I still break into a
sweat and the feeling is totally visceral when I happen upon a work that just
takes my breath away. If losing that kind of connection or passion is a part of
growing up, then I’m totally with Peter Pan and I’m never going there.
But, at
the same time, as I reviewed the list of participating artists in this project,
and found myself bemoaning my stupidity in not already owning examples of some
of their works – Aleah Chapin and Susannah Martin come especially to mind – I
bit my tongue and reminded myself that the most important consideration is not
what’s on my walls, but what’s out there for the world to appreciate and enjoy.
And that’s a blessing for all of us – collectors – creators – and civilians as
well.
So I will try to be a good sport and soldier on. The fact that I do have
wonderful pieces by so many of the artists in the upcoming issue and the show – many of whom Didi Menendez brought to my attention – is only the smallest solace.
