Art Collectors
of Durham
Monica
Welcome to the third in this series of articles about Art Collectors in Durham. In this series we meet art collectors in Durham and learn what is the motivation and reward for this unique form of self expression. For this article I would like to introduce you to an art collector who has been collecting original works of art since 1994. Monica started her art collection with a miniature hand painted photograph she bought from the Whitby Station Gallery's annual Christmas Miniature sale. I can tell how much she treasures the piece by the joy she takes is sharing it with me. "It's so beautiful." she said enthusiastically. "I love everything about it, the picture, the colours, the frame and the little mat."
The way that a painting comes from the artist is how Monica hangs her works on the wall. She feels that the artists presentation of the work of art is intrinsic to it and will not change it. Monica especially loves gallery style canvas paintings because she feels the the works of art are more natural without a frame, although nicely matted and framed pictures are lovely too.
With regards to hanging her pictures, Monica waits for an inspiration to find the perfect place. Bringing home a new painting is so exciting for Monica, and she loves each and every work that she has. Monica explains her art collection in this way: "Surrounding yourself with the things you love makes you feel good. Having the things around you that are beautiful that you can look at as much as you like... make your home more beautiful, peaceful and appealing."
Monica never set out to create an art collection, she just feels that "sometimes you just buy paintings that you love... not even thinking that you are creating an art collection." When I asked what draws her to wanting to add a work of art to her collection, Monica said "That is hard to define - other than how it makes you feel. With every picture there is something unique that you love about it - each picture has it's own merit. Art is such a gut thing - you love it or hate it and there is not a lot of intellectual reasoning behind it."
Some of the works in Monica's collection hold fond memories for her, such as a small painting from Mexico, the simplicity of the work caught the ambiance of the area so brilliantly that she fell in love with it and it reminds her such a special time.
Monica has this advice for people starting an art collection: "Start small in your price range. People feel intimidated by the price of original art, like they will not be able to afford it, but if you go to the local art shows you can find small reasonably priced pieces."
Monica likes to support local artists - and especially likes to meet them and hear the stories behind the paintings. One painting that Monica especially loves has a delightful story behind it, the lace in the still life was Croched by the artist's aunt and the flowers in the still life were a birthday gift from the artist's mother.
What a delight and honour it was for me to be invited to visit Monica and see her lovely pictures. Many Thanks to her for sharing her treasures, and also for the lovely treats from the bakery. If you have an art collection and would like to be featured in one of these articles, you can contact Judith at: 905-839-7816. A small, modest collection is just as interesting as a larger one. This series of articles focuses on collections of original works of visual art in any medium. Many thanks for reading, Warmest Regards, Judith
©
Copyright 2007 Judith A. Jewer // Telephone: (905) 839-7816
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