Collector Story: An inspiring art tradition between a mother + daughter
Whenever I have the chance to learn more about my collectors, the experience of sending my paintings out into the world is made even sweeter.
Artwork plays such a significant role in all of our lives, and I'm in love with the beautifully nuanced relationship we all have with our respective collections of art.
There's a story behind every object we own, and it's an honor to know when a painting I created gets to play a role in someone else's story.
A few months ago, I got an email from a collector named Chloe, who was interested in purchasing one of my paintings for her two-year-old daughter's birthday.
The work would continue a tradition Chloe started of giving her daughter a piece of artwork for her birthday each year –
"[I want] to find pieces that speak to me and encapsulate Rosie and our relationship at each age. So when she leaves the nest as an adult, she has an eclectic collection to carry with her."
Hearing about this special tradition really moved me, and thankfully, Chloe was kind enough to share more about what inspired her!
"One of [my daughter] Rosie's first 'big' outings as an infant (born in the midst of the pandemic) was to see Picasso. I was so excited, and even though her tiny eyes could barely focus yet, it felt so special to share that with her. And it sparked a commitment to continue sharing that kind of awe and appreciation as she grew.
One criteria I had in looking to fill my daughter's life with art was to find pieces made by inspiring females. Women who are following their inspiration, sharing their unique skills and creativity, and honing their practice with passion and patience. I want Rosie to be inspired by the beauty (and eventually significance) of the art that surrounds her, but also look up to the artists who brought that beauty to life."
To say I'm honored to be in Rosie's collection is an understatement. Not only do I love Chloe's heart for this tradition and curatorial vision, but I love imagining the stories that will build up with this body of work over time and the embrace that Rosie will feel from her mom – knowing each piece of art was picked out for her with care and meaning.
Piece of Home No. 3 is the name of my painting that caught Chloe's eye, and she shared with me why this one, in particular, stood out to her:
Piece of Home No. 3 — 5” x 5”, acrylic on cotton paper, 2022
"Finding Piece of Home No.3 was meant to be. I'd been passively keeping an eye out for the second addition to my daughter Rosie's collection, and the color palette caught my attention immediately. It perfectly matched the tiny wooden play kitchen she received for Christmas--quintessential toddlerhood.
The piece is small, just like my darling girl, and yet reflects a simple love and comfort that I hope she always feels when she sees it. And one day, when she takes her collection along to all the places she'll inhabit, it's nice to know she'll always have a little 'Piece of Home' with her wherever she goes."
It never fails to impress me the way that artwork can take on new meaning in the hands of whoever holds it, separate from that of the artist.
I was inspired by what home means to me when I made this painting, and Chloe added a new level of depth that I could never have expected or planned out.
Artwork is incredible in that way.
Chloe went on to share –
"I hope art will teach her [Rosie] to take her time and cherish craft and quality. To pay attention to what others have to say, and be bold enough to share herself. I want to foster the expression and empathy that art elicits. And I hope my daughter is always wide-eyed to the wonder of the world around her--creations man-made and not."
I asked Chloe if I could share her story with you because I thought it might bring you inspiration.
Perhaps you might feel moved to begin a new tradition today or motivated to appreciate your art collection with new perspectives.
Thank you, Chloe, for inspiring me and this community of art lovers, and thank you for leaving me such a kind review of my work as an artist –
"Anna has always been so kind and considerate in all our interactions, and it's been such a pleasure and a privilege to finally become a collector after admiring her work from afar for so long. She helped her work find a loving home, and that makes seeing it hang on my wall all the more special. I would encourage anyone considering her art to chase that desire and reap the joy it brings."
