I have just finished reading a wonderful article in the Dallas Morning News about local art collector John Reoch. The article -- and Reoch's sidebar comments on several pieces from his collection -- was so enlightening. (Click on the link for pictures and comments from Reoch's collection.)
I mean, here I am... just and ordinary housewife and stay-at-home mom who's heart beats faster when I cut into fabric and when I find the perfect embellishment to compliment a new fiber composition. I also love purchasing original art for my home. I'm untrained. Uneducated. And blissfully ignorant about the world of fine art. (Of course, loyal readers sense both my sarcasm and honesty in that statement.)
Reoch has such enthusiasm about art and goes about his collection in such a methodical and yet spontaneous way. He focuses on emerging local talent and never spends more than $6000 for a piece. He says if it costs more than that, the artist is already established and doesn't fit his criteria. He also says it's more fun to pay $800 and have the artist feel like he (or she) has won the lottery. Delightful! Exciting!
Deeper into the article, Reoch notes that he grew up on the coast of Maine and was an officer in the Navy. No wonder I was drawn to him! (We lived in Maine for two years while my Navy officer husband was stationed in Maine.)
Reoch's comments about several of the pieces in his collection were very thoughtful. I think they will even help me speak more eloquently and with more insight about my own work.
Many many people have huge interest in art (and deep pockets). Are we "art quilters" selling ourselves short by getting too buried in tradition? I know this question has been discussed to death, so feel free to roll your eyes, ignore it and get to your studio to make more art. That's what I'm going to do.
2 comments:
Great post. I think artists in any medium, who break the barriers and start new trends, have the ability to leave traditon behind and break new ground without fear.
I thought you were going to talk about Rock Star :) This was much better for my brain!!
Yeah, art quilters have thier feet in two different paint pots. And if you've tried to walk with ONE on.. ya know two leaves you stumbling and awkward. (why can't I spell that word?)
Ok. so the obvious question.. are you gonna send this guy some information about yourself? (evil grins..)
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