Navigating the Art of Collection: An Interview with Gina Evans
Collecting art is a lifelong endeavor, a continual process of learning, discovery, and evaluation. In this blog post, we sit down with the multifaceted Gina Evans, a doctor, a mother, a wife, and an avid art collector, to unravel the intimate threads of her collecting experience.
When it comes to the art world, collectors are a breed apart. The very act of assembling a collection that speaks to you, that ignites the passions and sparks the intellect, is a deeply personal and revelatory undertaking. Collecting art is a lifelong endeavor, a continual process of learning, discovery, and evaluation. In this blog post, we sit down with the multifaceted Gina Evans, a doctor, a mother, a wife, and an avid art collector, to unravel the intimate threads of her collecting experience.
A Personal Pilgrimage
Entering the realm of art collection is akin to undertaking a personal pilgrimage. Each piece of work collected encapsulates a moment, an emotion, or a profound connection—be it with the artist, the subject, or the milieu from which it hails. Yet, the path to this juncture is not always clear, and for Gina, this pilgrimage has been a dynamic blend of professional gatherings, family, and the winds of the digital age.
Gina reflects on the vintage Muhammad Ali fight poster that has recently found a home in her collection. It's not just a bygone advertisement; it's a conduit to her Chicago heritage, a homage to her father’s love for black memorabilia.
When asked if she has a favorite piece in her collection, Gina notes that “this answer changes depending on the day, my mood, etc., but today I would say it's “a vintage Muhammad Ali fight poster advertising a ringside 2-day fight event at a Chicago location. My father gifted me this poster for Christmas and I recently framed it. It reminds me that works in your collection can be in various forms. This poster is so special to me because it reminds me of my Chicago roots and my father who has collected black memorabilia over the years.”
This single work encapsulates multiple layers of meaning and personifies the eclectic tapestry that is Gina’s collection. It assures us that there is no singular path to assembling a collection; there are only pieces waiting to be discovered and cherished in various forms.
“I do feel that I have gained more confidence and I think that really happened after working with an art advisor, who became a friend. She taught me early on to claim "collector" status.”
On Comfort and Confidence
A recurring question for many emerging collectors is, when do you become comfortable with the art of acquiring art? Gina's response is refreshingly candid. She admits that comfort remains elusive, for she is continually learning and discovering. “I do feel that I have gained more confidence and I think that really happened after working with an art advisor, who became a friend. She taught me early on to claim "collector" status. She exposed me to so many artists and works and taught me how to approach gallerists and other people in the art world when I have an interest in a particular work. ” This is a testament to the crucial role of guidance in this industry. Comfort comes not from mastery, but from the humility to continue learning, and the courage to call herself a collector and to claim that role with intention.
“I also started talking to other collectors I would introduce myself and explained I was a novice collector and just wanted advice. Humbling myself and admitting this was a whole new world actually is what made me most comfortable with the process. People were willing to talk and liked to talk about their journey and pass on art-collecting nuggets that I still hold dear to this day.”
“If I saw a book or article about art collecting, I read it. I wanted to learn as much as possible. I also started talking to other collectors I would run into and introduced myself and explained I was a novice collector and just wanted advice. Humbling myself and admitting this was a whole new world actually is what made me most comfortable with the process.“
It’s not just about the destination; the process itself is an ongoing craft. Gina's preferred mode of acquisition isn’t dictated by convention; it remains open and fluid. Her benchmark for acquiring a piece isn’t the avenue but the connection she forges with the work. It's an ethos that places the art ahead of the method, a principle that has opened doors to a plethora of acquisitions through online sources and virtual spaces due to her family responsibilities.
“Most of my acquisitions, have been through an online source. Be it via instagram, Artsy, virtual art fairs, auctions, or directly from the artist. I have two small kids, which makes it difficult for me sometimes to make it to art fairs and exhibits. Having a tool I can scroll through late at night is a game changer for me.”
The digital age has indeed engendered a democratization of collecting, giving rise to novel platforms, and in Gina's case, providing a tool that has transformed her collecting experience.
The Art of Connection
What is evident in this conversation is the pervasive role of connection— with the art, with the process, and with those who walk the same path. Gina’s interactions with art advisors, artists, dealers, and fellow collectors have been instrumental in her evolution as a connoisseur. These interactions have not only demystified the art of collecting but have also enriched her perspective curated a more expansive 'eye,' and diversified her collection.
In the art world, the value of conversation cannot be understated. It holds the power to elucidate, to encourage, and to shape one's experience. Gina's foray into the art world was marked by a willingness to engage, to learn, and to position herself not just as a collector, but as a participant in a shared dialogue.
The Collector's Journey
Collecting art is not merely about assembling works; it is about crafting a narrative. It's about becoming the steward of stories, emotions, and moments encapsulated within each work. Gina's collection is not just about the 'what'—the exquisite pieces she has acquired—but the 'why' and 'how' that imbue each piece with a narrative. From the acquisition of a commissioned family portrait to the daily joy from scrolling through her digital gallery, her collection weaves a tapestry of connections and discoveries uniquely her own.
The collector's journey is one marked by curiosity, persistence, and an open heart. It is about finding those moments of resonance and serendipity that spark a connection and leave a lasting impression. For Gina, the path to comfort in collecting stems from this very ethos. It is the genuine pursuit of pieces that resonate and endure beyond the transaction, fostering a collection that is alive with meaning and memory.
In Conclusion
Gina Evans embodies the essence of a contemporary art collector—a figure not bound by the constraints of tradition, but one who navigates the rich tapestry of the art world with ingenuity and authenticity. Her story is an inspiring one, a testament to the multifaceted nature of collecting, and the myriad ways in which art can enrich our lives.
Sharing the story of her most memorable acquisition shows Ginas aim to “feel” the work on her walls. “The family piece I had commissioned by Celia Rakotondrainy is my most memorable acquisiton. This was my first and only commissioned piece. I wanted a family photo, but I wanted something with a "spin" and Celia delivered big time. I love how she blended our faces to create an overall feeling of oneness and shows how all our genes blend together. Celia actually lives in the Azores, Portugal, so we communicated via email about the details of the work.”
As you, the reader, chart your own course in the art of collection, remember Gina's words. Be open, be willing to learn, and above all, be unafraid to connect. Whether you’re acquiring a piece at a lifetime auction or inquiring about a work that speaks to you, the collector’s path is a rich one, marked by the encounters and treasures that shape it. And in this rich panorama, there is room for every voice, every story, and every connection that makes the art of collection an endlessly rewarding endeavor.
