THE ART COLLECTING BUG
by Michael Corbin
I have a disease. It's not really a physical or mental ailment. I call it, "The Collecting Bug." More specifically, "THE ART COLLECTING BUG."
I think it's the same sickness that collectors of comic books or snowglobes or antique cars have, but only a different strain. I think that I may know how and where I got it, but I don't know how to get rid of it.
Did I catch it as a schoolkid when I attended class field trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York? That was many (and I stress many) years ago. I didn't feel sick back then and surely the disease went into remission over the years.
"Coral Roses" by Robin Street-Morris, ebay seller streetmorrisart
Hmm. I think it may have come back when I lived and worked in Richmond, Virginia. Virginia is loaded with flea markets and shops that sell old paintings that have lost their way to greatness. I remember buying a couple of those, which I still have. Did the disease hit then?
Maybe. I think I really got, "THE ART COLLECTING BUG" when I accidentally logged onto an art website. I couldn't believe it! Art that I could actually afford? You gotta be kidding me!
Yup. There it was. Clear as day. My first real painting by a real artist. Not one of those, "Velvet Elvis" creations. (Although Velvet Elvis has his place as well. Just not in my home). As I recall, it was a blue, red and yellow abstract piece. 16" by 20". Looking at it now, I don't know what the heck I was thinking. I think that I was in love with the price more than the actual painting. Anyway, that MUST BE when I truly caught the bug.
Funny, because looking at the painting now, I almost get sick all over again. Fortunately, my taste has improved. I guess I'm holding onto the painting on the chance that the artist will make it big one day. I doubt that will happen, but if I get rid of the painting and the artist becomes famous, guess what?
I'll really be sick.
Read more of Mike's Art Collector Column...
1:23:44 PM 
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