I know someone who to this day regrets not buying a painting by a famous folk artist named Mose T.
Here’s what happened. Several years ago, this individual, "Ms. G.," was shopping at a flea market in Birmingham, Alabama. While walking around the different booths, she happened to see a vendor selling paintings, jewelry and other stuff. One of the paintings was apparently signed by Mose T.
Mose T’s real name was Mose Tolliver. He was a highly respected folk artist who lived here in Montgomery County, Alabama. He worked as a laborer until he was seriously injured on the job. To help cope with his disability, he took up painting.
Here’s what happened. Several years ago, this individual, "Ms. G.," was shopping at a flea market in Birmingham, Alabama. While walking around the different booths, she happened to see a vendor selling paintings, jewelry and other stuff. One of the paintings was apparently signed by Mose T.
Mose T’s real name was Mose Tolliver. He was a highly respected folk artist who lived here in Montgomery County, Alabama. He worked as a laborer until he was seriously injured on the job. To help cope with his disability, he took up painting.
He painted on anything he could get his hands on, from pieces of plywood and packing crates to furniture. Soon, people in the art world started noticing his work and praising his colorful and whimsical portraits of people, animals, and plants. Then he got a showing at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
After that, Mose T's reputation continued to grow. At the time of his death in 2006, he was a sensation in the art world.
Today, some of his paintings are worth hundreds of dollars. Others are worth even more, and his work is on display in galleries around the world.
And that's why Ms. G. says she's kicking herself.
When she saw the painting at the flea market that day, Mose T was still alive. She could have bought that painting for just $80, she says.
But, she decided to walk away. She knew who the artist was at the time, but she had second thoughts about buying the painting for one simple reason.
She hated it.
Not to put Mose T down.
He was an incredibly talented artist. A genius. Many critics have loved his work and admired his contribution to American folk art.
But Ms. G. wasn’t a folk art fan. Folk art wasn’t her style, and she thought the painting would clash with the décor at her home. She had no desire to start a folk art collection.
My opinion? She made the right decision.
I always tell people, “Buy what you love.” Why have artwork in your home that you aren’t crazy about? Ms. G., would be better off collecting a style of artwork she likes instead of buying pieces that aren’t to her liking.
In fact, I think you should collect only the things that appeal to you.
You can start a collection of political buttons, movie- and television-themed lunch boxes, bobblehead dolls, newspapers announcing major historical events, Depression-era glassware, vintage toys, first edition comic books, antique furniture or anything that you like. And many of these kinds of items rise in value over time.
Me? I love collecting vintage photographs and old photo albums.
If you’re clueless about collecting, start visiting thrift stores, estate sales, museums, antique shops and art fairs. The more you see, the easier it will be to discover what you would want to collect.
If you see something that makes you stop and stare, or something that reminds you of your childhood or a happy time in your life, that’s a clue that maybe you’ve found something you might want to collect.
Start slowly. Buy one or two pieces at first. If you become increasingly interested in what you’ve purchased, you’ll want to buy more. You’ll be glad to make space in your home for each piece. You'll also have the motivation to become more knowledgeable about your collectibles by reading books and consulting with experts.
Ditch the regret, Ms. G.
What about you? What do you enjoy collecting?
LaCheryl
Check out these related posts!
After that, Mose T's reputation continued to grow. At the time of his death in 2006, he was a sensation in the art world.
Today, some of his paintings are worth hundreds of dollars. Others are worth even more, and his work is on display in galleries around the world.
And that's why Ms. G. says she's kicking herself.
When she saw the painting at the flea market that day, Mose T was still alive. She could have bought that painting for just $80, she says.
But, she decided to walk away. She knew who the artist was at the time, but she had second thoughts about buying the painting for one simple reason.
She hated it.
Not to put Mose T down.
He was an incredibly talented artist. A genius. Many critics have loved his work and admired his contribution to American folk art.
But Ms. G. wasn’t a folk art fan. Folk art wasn’t her style, and she thought the painting would clash with the décor at her home. She had no desire to start a folk art collection.
My opinion? She made the right decision.
I always tell people, “Buy what you love.” Why have artwork in your home that you aren’t crazy about? Ms. G., would be better off collecting a style of artwork she likes instead of buying pieces that aren’t to her liking.
In fact, I think you should collect only the things that appeal to you.
You can start a collection of political buttons, movie- and television-themed lunch boxes, bobblehead dolls, newspapers announcing major historical events, Depression-era glassware, vintage toys, first edition comic books, antique furniture or anything that you like. And many of these kinds of items rise in value over time.
Me? I love collecting vintage photographs and old photo albums.
If you’re clueless about collecting, start visiting thrift stores, estate sales, museums, antique shops and art fairs. The more you see, the easier it will be to discover what you would want to collect.
If you see something that makes you stop and stare, or something that reminds you of your childhood or a happy time in your life, that’s a clue that maybe you’ve found something you might want to collect.
Start slowly. Buy one or two pieces at first. If you become increasingly interested in what you’ve purchased, you’ll want to buy more. You’ll be glad to make space in your home for each piece. You'll also have the motivation to become more knowledgeable about your collectibles by reading books and consulting with experts.
Ditch the regret, Ms. G.
What about you? What do you enjoy collecting?
LaCheryl
Check out these related posts!
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