Is Collecting an Art?
I started asking myself this one day. As a designer and art appreciator, it got me thinking: Why not? What has made us exclude collection as an art?
Human beings are motivated to collect objects for a variety of reasons: biological, psychological, cultural, financial, the list goes on as to what might push someone to collect. I can’t say I own any collections of my own except what has been handed down to me. But those who make room in their lives—be it time, energy, or space—to house their collections (of whatever size) are utterly fascinating. There have been several famous collectors through time ancient and modern. Of course there is Martha Stewart with her collections of McCoy pottery and jadeite glassware. But I’ve got someone else for you: Daniel Barrett Mathis (@notaminimalist on Instagram). His collections have been featured in several publications. I really admire his commitment to collecting, storing and displaying unique items in a visually appealing setting and very eclectic style. It’s just marvelous and is obviously the result of tons of dedication.
Photographs belong to Daniel Barrett Mathis @notaminimalist
For anyone on the fence, I would like to direct consider a few things. There is time, passion, experience, knowledge and joy that goes into building a compelling collection of items. There is also often a great deal of skill involved when it comes to displaying a collection. Not everyone is endowed with the ability or desire to pick up a paintbrush, throw on a wheel or compose a symphony. People collect items and information that speak to them in some way. If art at its base is human expression, and someone expresses themselves via collecting, then who is anyone to say that collecting is not an art?
As a vintage lover, sometimes the impulse to buy an object because of its beauty, history or use can feel a little materialistic/gross. Of course, we created an outlet for those impulses. The feeling moves from gross to good when I remember that the items we are selling are either made by us or by someone else in days gone by, meaning they are vintage and getting a second/third/fourth life. Our hope is that people will feel connected to the items they own because those items add beauty or utility to their life and were made by another human. And, who knows, maybe somone will happen upon something to add to their collection.
After some serious thought, I would say yes, collection can be an art. Just like with fine art, there is a threshold between craft and art. Then there is bad art vs. good art. What do you think—is collecting an art, a craft, neither? Do you collect? What do you collect? Please share!
-Raven
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