Embracing the art of collecting: How I am a collector at heart
In life, we often find ourselves drawn to certain passions, hobbies, or pursuits that speak to our souls in unique ways. For some, it’s the thrill of adventure, while for others, it might be the tranquility found in art or literature. As for my husband and me, we’ve come to realize that we are, at heart, collectors. Our joint journey into embracing the art of collecting has been enriched by the antique furniture we’ve acquired a long time ago and the heirloom treasures we’ve inherited. Then there are the serendipitous finds at auctions and the timeless pieces discovered in antique stores or during our travels, with a particular fondness for ceramics, porcelains, antique furniture, and unusual flower containers.
Antique furniture
Our previous house was a 200-year-old stone farmhouse. Early on, we developed a love for antique French Canadian pine furniture. These well-used pieces, many in their original paint, not only serve as a testament to our roots as Quebecers but also possess an indelible charm that modern furniture typically lacks. When we moved into our contemporary home nine years ago, we made a concerted effort to incorporate these beloved pieces. The dining room table, for instance, had been in the kitchen of our former house and was imbued with family memories, having witnessed countless daily meals as our children grew up. Similarly, the breakfast nook ensemble, featuring expensive 19th-century American Windsor chairs, had previously adorned our living room, paired with a rustic Quebec table we found for $100 in the attic of an antique dealer’s barn.
Heirloom objects
As for objects, it all began with the belongings passed down to me by my beloved aunts and cherished mother-in-law. These heirloom items, once theirs, now carry the weight of memories and stories within their very essence. Each piece tells a tale, weaving together the fabric of generations past. From delicate porcelain tea pots to ornate ceramic vases or pitchers, these inherited treasures serve as a tangible link to my family’s history, grounding me in a sense of continuity and belonging. Knowing my respect for such items, dear friends have also entrusted me with their own cherished possessions. For instance, my friend Masako gave me her entire collection of Ikebana vases when she moved a few years ago.
Auctions
My passion for collecting extends beyond familial ties, leading me to seek hidden gems in unexpected places. Estate sales and auctions have long been a source of excitement and discovery for me. Auctions, before their online version, became a favorite haunt, where the thrill of the bidding war mingled with the anticipation of uncovering a rare find. Over the years, I’ve acquired treasures ranging from vintage vases whispering of bygone eras to exquisite antique Chinese writing tables with storied pasts, Persian rugs gracing my floors, and the vibrant hues of Quimper dishes. However, as auctions transitioned mostly online, the experience has shifted, and it’s sometimes challenging to assess the quality of items through a screen.
Souvenirs from travels
One of my greatest joys is discovering ceramics during my travels. Exploring markets, artisan workshops, and quaint boutiques in distant lands has become an adventure in itself. From the rustic Costa Rican pottery and in contrast the beautiful Celadon of Thailand and the delicate porcelain of Vietnam, each piece tells a story of its cultural heritage, providing a tangible connection to the places I’ve visited and the people I’ve met along the way. I remember fondly the local women weaving baskets with their feet in the Cambodian forest. How could I resist acquiring one for a few dollars? These souvenirs not only serve as reminders of my travels but also enrich my collection with a diverse array of styles and influences.
And there are also antique stores, fairs, thrift stores and fleamarkets
And then there are the antique and consignment stores, veritable treasure troves brimming with nostalgia and possibility. Stepping into one feels like stepping into a time capsule, where every corner holds the promise of discovery. From intricately painted ceramic plates to old woven baskets to rustic and painted French Canadian furniture, these stores hold treasures waiting to be rediscovered and reimagined. Fleamarkets and estate sales are similar resources and add fun to day excursions!
As a collector, I’ve come to realize that my passion extends far beyond the mere accumulation of objects. It’s about honoring the past, celebrating craftsmanship, and finding beauty in the forgotten and the overlooked. Each piece in my collection tells a story, not just of its origins, but of the countless lives it has touched and the journey it has undertaken to find its way into my care.
In my quest for unique additions to my collection, I’ve found myself drawn to more than just ceramics and furniture. The hunt for unusual flower containers has become a delightful pursuit, leading me to discover treasures in unexpected places. Whether it’s repurposed buckets with a rustic charm or weathered old crocks exuding a timeless appeal, each vessel adds character and depth to flowers from my garden. These unconventional finds not only serve as functional pieces but also as conversation starters, sparking curiosity and admiration among visitors. Embracing the art of collecting extends beyond traditional boundaries, allowing me to infuse my spaces with a touch of whimsy and individuality, one unconventional flower container at a time.
Respecting my husband’s diverse interests
My husband David does not only share some of my interests in pine furniture and ceramics but has his own areas of collecting. Bonsai trees for one, but I’ll explore that subject in a future post. Meanwhile, African masks, hunting prints as well as Japanese books and ceramics find their way in the small office that serves as a man cave and then spill beyond.
Collecting plants
In addition to my collecting of objects, I am also an avid collector of perennials, although that is another story altogether. My garden has become a sanctuary for an array of enduring plants, each with its unique beauty and resilience. From dazzling daylilies to majestic irises and colorful dahlias, the perennial blooms bring color and life to my outdoor space year after year. And then, there is my growing passion for peonies! Tending to my botanical treasures is a labor of love, one that rewards me with the joy of watching them flourish and thrive with each passing season.
In a world that often moves at breakneck speed, there’s solace to be found in the art of collecting. It’s a reminder to slow down, to savor the moments, and to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, both past and present. And so, I continue to embark on my journey as a collector, guided by the whispers of history and the promise of discoveries yet to come, always with a keen eye for the elegance of ceramics, porcelains, the timeless allure of antique furniture, and the enduring beauty of perennial blooms.
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