Perspectives on Collecting

Introductions & Chat
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I recently read the following article from Mark Sublette’s internet magazine, The Essential West, concerning the famed Dr. Albert Barnes and his approach to collecting art. I found it both intriguing and inspiring. I’ve never visited the Barnes Foundation myself, but have studied and admired many of the pieces in the collection.

This got me wondering about our members here. How do you approach your collecting? Are you laser focused or are your interests widely varied, similar to Dr. Barnes? Do you have certain goals and aspirations or are you driven by what catches your eye?

For me, it’s a matter of depth and is not motivated strictly by appearance. Your heart is what you can not see, and I rely heavily on mine in my pursuits. While the visual obviously plays a part, the biggest factor for me is what is felt.

Feel free to share how you go about collecting and what drives you to keep up the hunt.

I also wanted to link a thread started by @Ivegotthenac that they created upon a visit to the Barnes Foundation in 2019, and in which they shared some photos of a few lovely pieces.

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Good question!

So, when I first started collecting, I always purchased what I liked, always Navajo and mostly 70’s style, big turquoise and ornate silver or tribal, raw, claws and symbols and something that evoked a great emotional response. Then I had to get matching turquoise pieces because I quickly learned how many different shades of turquoise were out there :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: I never chose items due to the name of the artist, most of the time I had zero idea who made what.

Now, my collecting isn’t all that much different although I do now have a few favorites that I seek out, still largely Navajo but, a more varied wardrobe. Now it’s items that can be worn in fall/winter as well, sleeker pieces. So, basically, I collect from a female perspective. Stuff that I will wear, and love, and things that I absolutely can’t live without.

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Good post, and I enjoyed the article. I love how Dr. Barnes displayed art from different eras/countries/types together. My mom (in a much smaller form) ascribed to this decorating philosophy.

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As far as collecting goes, I try to buy the best I can afford, although of course within reason for my lifestyle (and the fact that I like to sometimes purchase several items rather than a single large one - for example, cuffs and/or rings as vs one squash). I’m not trying to build a collection that achieves significance; I’m only trying to build a small one for my enjoyment.

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Through the years I’ve learned to focus as I purchase. There have been times in the past when I shopped merely because something seemed like a good deal or I just wanted to shop, and that didn’t usually serve me well. I have said this before, but I have three solid rules that guide my collecting…

  1. It has to fit within my budget
  2. I have to LOVE it
  3. I need to know that I will wear it (or display it if it’s a rug or pottery, etc)

I’m not young anymore, and my house is full. So in general I better have a good reason for a purchase.

I really liked what the article said about looking, looking, and looking some more. Early on I was blessed by being able to spend a lot of time out west where I was able to view good jewelry and turquoise (and learn from generous shop /trading post owners). Plus I had a mother who studied art and had a great eye, and tried hard to pass that on.

I think one thing that has often guided my collecting is the fact that I like to have things that are different from each other. For example, I remember buying a Fred Harvey style cuff because I wanted one in my collection, and I had the same thought the first time I bought a heavy silver stamped cuff with no turquoise. I like variety.

Thanks for starting what hopefully will be a very interesting thread!

Edit: I realized I put the wrong quote at the start so I changed it :laughing:

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I was lucky enough to grow up in a Barnes-aware environment. My dad was a regular visitor to the mansion long before it was well known beyond the Philadelphia area. I got fascinated enough with Albert (we’re on speaking terms you see) to buy and read his book about collecting, and dig into all the controversies about him as a cultural thorn in the side of the art world. He was more than a little controversial, in lots of ways. I was also lucky to visit the Barnes several times before its relocation to the Parkway. I do think the move, despite the enormous legal and ethical wrangling surrounding it, was to the benefit of the Barnes mission.

One thing that strikes me about Barnes is that he was first and foremost interested in making formal connections among arts and cultures–that is, how the things look vs. what they meant in their societies of origin. Things are grouped based on patterns, lines, or colorways that he wanted to relate together. In that sense he honored beauty as he saw it, but not necessarily how the cultures themselves might view the given artwork/jewelry/craft.

I’ll get around to sharing some of my collecting thoughts in another post.

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I like what you said about the viewing of lines and patterns, etc. I feel like I’m always looking at that, even in nature. When I take a photo it’s usually the lines in the final picture that I’m drawn to - the rocks, the sky and clouds, mesas, trees, waves and water lines, whatever. So I totally get what you’re saying.

How fortunate for you to have grown up viewing that collection!

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I hear you on the emotional response thing :grin: That’s why much of my stuff comes from my travels. When I wear each item I remember where they came from, and I feel that emotional response.

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Yes. Not only do I understand that relating to jewelry, but also relating to place. It’s not just the visual of places (such as the Grand Canyon, the Four Corners high desert, or the Great Lakes) that moves me, it’s the gut feeling I have while standing there.

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I do not collect on a low budget, I collect on no budget. All my stuff comes from second hand sales. I do not have many pieces that people would consider art, but I do have some vintage and antique collectible items. I collect a lot of vintage glass and MCM items. I love colored glass and the way it looks when light is shining through it. I also collect based on nostalgia or the way items make me feel. I am quite the eclectic collector. I try to sell enough to make up for what I buy, but I also enjoy learning about items and their history. It’s a fun hobby that I enjoy. No one, other than my family, will ever see my collection and think of it as significant. But my items make me happy and that is what matters to me.

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I’m the same as @chris , inherited, second hand, happenstance is pretty much how I navigate. I’m also a low budget spender as moths tend to fly out of my bank account more often than not. :woozy_face:

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Thanks to everyone for chiming in with their thoughts. I know that each of us is in a unique situation with different outlooks, and that’s what I thought would make this an interesting conversation. :+1:

This is easily understood, Phoenix. Collecting with utility in mind is an obviously wise mindset. It’s something I’m not completely capable of adhering to. :roll_eyes:

I think it’s easy to look at significant collections like Barnes’, Millicent Rogers’, and Mary Cabot Wheelwright’s and forget that when they were collecting, (specifically Native American Art) relatively few others were (at least at a similar scale); they were accumulating works of the art before it was a “popular” form. It goes without saying that being of means was a major factor: not all of us are heirs to fortunes.

Each of us has our own form of the bug, and it’s one I’m certain we all enjoy living with; as it does indeed bring so much joy, regardless of what we’re collecting.

I did as well, and think it’s beneficial in more ways than one. So much can be learned (and desired :confounded_face:) simply by looking.

You provide unique insight, @chicfarmer! How interesting that you had such a connection. Although, it’s no surprise really. :grin: I’m very much looking forward to your thoughts.

This is all that matters, in my opinion, Chris. I believe art is what draws the heart, and whatever that may be to you, I’m happy for you that you let nothing hold you back. :+1:

I’ve never been a fan of people making a big deal out of spending a bunch of money, or hearing gallery owners/dealers say the words “one of our biggest clients…” :roll_eyes:..big deal. It’s so condescending and distasteful, in my opinion. Regardless of money spent, all of us here pursue our passions, and I applaud all of you for doing so! :raising_hands::+1:

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Thank you, all, for writing my response. I could quote parts from everyone’s posts, piece them together, and that would be my answer. However, this sentiment from Zia is particularly relatable.

Good topic, Aaron! :+1:

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Here is an example of my insanity! No rhyme or reason to any of it, other than I like it. Navajo saddle blanket, mcm Empoli vase, Chinese cast iron foo dogs, 70’s Spanish revival candle stick holder, mcm Lane record cabinet (with albums inside), and an Italian vintage floor vase/ jug with peacock feathers :joy:. All together under $80 dollars spent. Would love to see pics of y’alls!

The albums were free for the most part. Most of them belonged to my father-in-law. I have about 5 more boxes in my closet.

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I recall that twill weave very well!! This is awesome Chris, thank you for sharing!

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Good question. I like looking for small lots of Sterling that have a Native American item that I like. I sell the rest and keep the NA jewelry. Bargain hunting is in my blood plus there aren’t any shops around here to purchase items. I had been buying frequently but slowed down the last year or so. My last purchase was this cute pin pendant that came with two other pins. Any idea of the hallmark? Roderick & Marilyn Tenorio?? Is my only guess.

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@nanc9354 Sorry, I’m not able to help with the hallmark. Is it just me who sees (the design) as a NA girl, or angel? An upright feather, her round head, hair braid across her forehead hanging down on either side, wings?, and turquoise as her body? I hope you don’t mind my comment here - if it were my pendant, I’d remove that fabulous turquoise cab & have it re-set in a ring or pendant that solely showcases the turquoise :slightly_smiling_face:.

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I see both now that you mention it :grin:

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Great topic @Ravenscry! Another Barnes Foundation fan here who was lucky enough to visit at its original Merion location before it was moved to the Philadelphia Parkway. For those who don’t know, there was a lot of controversy surrounding the move, and there’s even a documentary about it. For many years after Barnes’ death, the collection remained in his actual home in the exact way that he had arranged and displayed it, and he had even willed that it was not to be moved. Ultimately the importance of the collection outgrew its location, and there were financial challenges regarding upkeep of the property, maintenance, preservation and security. So in 2012 it moved to a new home on the Parkway. I do agree with @chicfarmer that the move has overall been a good thing, even though it’s a little sad to see the collection leave its original home. They did a very good job with the new museum.

The Barnes hosted a great exhibition of Native American art in 2022, combining examples from the Barnes collection with loaned contemporary pieces. I went twice :rofl:. The linked thread confirms that @chicfarmer considered herself to be on first name terms with Albert in 2022 as well.

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OO I was hoping you’d weigh in (and yeah you caught me in that silly joke again)! I also saw that great 2022 exhibition and recommend its catalogue.

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That is beautiful turquoise!

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I love that you had a mom that enjoyed art and collecting! I did not grow up with that. I started collecting later in life. It’s amazing how things change based on how much I see and learn.I look at jewelry on this forum everyday. It helps me see and learn about the way stuff is made and what quality looks like. I can now spot poor construction, sloppy rushed soldering, and inferior materials. So my collecting has changed over the years based on what I have learned!

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