I would definitely like to see it - after all we have a taxidermied small black bear
I have one ring with petrified wood in it and I’ve always wanted to get another (as long as it’s not a cuff ).
Funny story. I always wondered why my dad loved Canada so much, in particular Ontario. He may have told me at one point, but I forgot, so before my brother passed I asked him. He thought about it for awhile, and finally said, “I think it was simply because dad liked a beer that on the can said Land of Sky Blue Waters, and that made him want to go to Canada.” Rather unromantic, but oh well! My love of Canada began from a beer that’s not even Canadian…
I surprised her with the flat black base paint on the skull. When she received it, she called and said she’d never done anything similar, and that normally she uses either the natural color of the skull or a similar, off-white base, but that she was excited to try it. I absolutely love the way it came out, it’s so vibrant. I agree completely @nanc9354 about her photo. She took that at a spot in the Quinault Rainforest where she, my younger sister, and myself spent a great chunk of time the day we met; every moment of which was spiritually rich. There was a conjoining of souls that day, no doubt.
Thank you for your kind words about the oak furniture.
This is awesome, Zia, and hilarious to boot! Thanks for sharing!
My stupid phone suddenly won’t let me do quotes. And then sometimes it still won’t let me post a photo until I go back, screenshot it, and repost it. So freaking annoying.
@Ziacat, to provide a visual for my ramblings earlier today, here are a few photos of the black bear skull that Corinna painted. There are so many contours that it’s pretty tough to get a favorable photo.
Love, Love, Love your painted skulls. What an amazing happenstance and wonderful story. My husband has a buffalo skull I bought for him years ago; it’s hanging on an outside wall in the patio/deck area. I think they are wonderful just as they are, but the painting takes them to a whole other level - Wow!
I agree, and have a few that aren’t painted, but I also think Corinna’s work is pretty unique; in that she puts her own twist on traditional Northwest Coast motifs. The few pieces of her work that I have each holds it’s own story and memory.
He’s pretty dang cool! I especially like the view looking down at the top of his head. The canines on that fellow are impressive.
When I was growing up we had a bear rug on the floor, and the mouth was open so you could see his teeth. It had been on display in our store, but people pulled the claws out of it (grrr) so Dad brought it home. Our dog didn’t like him Unfortunately I have no idea what happened to the rug, but at least I have some pictures of it.
Ok, my guiding principles on collecting. I had to think about this one for a minute @Ravenscry. Here’s what I came up with:
Educate myself. I read lots. Books, articles, here, social media groups. I go to museums, seek out catalogues. I talk to other collectors. And I definitely follow the advice of the article to look, look, look.
Quality over quantity. I buy the best I can afford, or close to it, then might go 6 or 9 months without buying anything.
I’m gonna steal Zia’s rule here of buying what I love. There’s a lot of great jewelry out there, but if I don’t absolutely love it, if it’s not my personal style, I’ll look for something else. I’m a little more flexible on knowing I’ll wear it though. Although I do wear my jewelry I have been known to buy a piece or two that didn’t fit great because I just had to have it (usually I can have it adjusted or somehow make it work though).
I will break rules 2 and 3 for a quality item priced significantly below market value. Usually I tell myself I’ll sell it and use the proceeds to further fund my collection, but in reality I’m not great at letting things go.
I keep a written list of goal items, or things that I’m looking for. This may be an artist, a category of items, or a very specific item made by a certain artist. Some are artists or items I already have but would want more of, and some are very aspirational and may not even be in my current budget. I don’t stick only to the list and I don’t expect to ever cross everything off it, but I think it helps to keep aspirations in mind.
I try to be an ethically responsible collector. I like to buy directly from living artists, or when that’s not possible, from a gallery that I believe treats artists fairly. I don’t haggle with artists, and I don’t mind paying market prices from an artist or reputable gallery. I buy from ebay as well (and keep an eye out for a good deal! See number 4), but I won’t support a seller that I regard as sketchy or that mixes in fakes with authentic. I also try to form connections and friendships with artists and remember that this is also about people, connections, and sharing culture, not just “stuff.”
Many times I’ve thought that if I’m going to be a serious collector, I should narrow my focus a little more. A particular time period, tribe, style, or maybe a form such as bracelets. But ultimately I have varied tastes and that’s part of what brings me joy, so I’ve been unwilling to limit myself and I’m ok with that. And it wouldn’t be very fun to put together an outfit with nothing but bracelets! My taste has definitely gotten more upscale and I’ve gotten smarter the longer I’ve collected.
This was a treat to read, OO. Each of your principles is easily understood and agreeable, as well as honorable, I feel. Thank you for giving the subject a great deal of thought and sharing all of that. There is wisdom in your response and I think the combined posts here, shared by all of our knowledgeable members, will serve as inspiration and/or provide thoughts that others may not have had.
I’ve been wanting to add that I like to apply critical thinking to my collecting, specifically in regards to educating myself. I don’t take any one dealer’s or gallery’s word for it. Sure, it goes without saying that there are a number of traders who have been involved in the art for decades, and have an abundance of experience, but that doesn’t mean their opinion is the end-all-be-all. Over the course of the last few years, I’ve seen some questionable (in my opinion) representations, promotional videos, descriptions, and opinions from well regarded dealers that are just .
To tie back into my application of critical thought; I’ll take the opinion or thoughts of one and set it down, then I will lay next to it knowledge I’ve gleaned from reading and research, sit next to that the opinions of other collectors, and lastly I will further research the subject to death, and in most cases, I’ve either found similar examples or completely differing information/views.
Put simply, I just think it’s important for collectors to self-educate and not forget to think for themselves, as opposed to placing any and all faith in one source.
What a thorough and helpful share. Your processes are very similar to mine.
The jewelry aspect is part of a larger interest in Native Americans and Southwest Native and Hispanic culture and crafts. At first I was most intrigued by traditional Navajo silver, but turquoise has always spoken to me so it led to later phases and to Zuni work. Then Hopi is a whole different design history and language, and that too calls me. I tried to read everything I could about early Native silver jewelry and over the years have built a nearly complete library, but starting out I also went to see things in person and tried to speak with those who were already knowledgeable in the field.
I swing between collecting “traditional” pieces–actually old jewelry, 1890s-1920s, or from various revival makers like Perry Shorty-- and contemporary pieces, with their own integrity and beauty. Music people I know talk about this distinction as “roots” and “branches.” The original, first-time-out examples vs. modern takes and materials. Yes to both!
Thank you for compiling your valued thoughts, Chic. I consider you one of this community’s most well read and knowledgeable members, so it’s great to receive some insight into your perspective.
I’m with you here. While I don’t pursue it nearly to the level that I chase Navajo and Pueblo art, I am enthralled with Plains and Woodland cultures. I was first introduced to both by my grandfather when I was very young, and it has stuck with me.
This is very cool, and puts the idea into a clear visual.
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. What an amazing happenstance and wonderful story. My husband has a buffalo skull I bought for him years ago; it’s hanging on an outside wall in the patio/deck area. I think they are wonderful just as they are, but the painting takes them to a whole other level - Wow!
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