Lavonne Burke Sam: Curating A legacy
“I hope that my collection will spark a discussion about the importance of art collecting by younger black professionals. It is a lifelong journey and a way to leave a lasting legacy for your children and also build and transfer generational wealth.”
In the world of art collecting, few things are as profound as the creation of a legacy. Art collector, Lavonne Burke Sam, not only understands this profoundly, but embodies it, having built a collection that does more than fill the walls—it carries a narrative rich with history, culture, and a forward-thinking investment mindset. Here, we explore how Burke's intuitive and heartfelt approach to collecting art serves as a pathway for generational wealth and cultural enrichment.
Intuition Meets Investment
Burke's art-collecting story begins with "Jasmine," an emotive piece by Rene Dickerson that sparked something deeper than mere aesthetics—it ignited a connection with her spirit. “When I saw the painting it really moved my spirit. I came back three days in a row to view it before making the decision to purchase it. While I now do quite a bit more research on the artist before acquiring a work, I still always use my gut when making acquisitions and only acquire works that speak to me.”
“My first fine art acquisition was a beautiful original painting from Rene Dickerson entitled "Jasmine" and was completely emotionally based.“
This initial interaction set the precedent for Burke's entire acquisition ethos. Her approach transcends the traditional investment paradigms, grounding it in a personal affinity that aligns with her broader vision for her collection's legacy.
A Legacy Lined with Intention
Burke's discerning eye gravitates toward abstractions and depictions of strong black women. Within these chosen themes, each piece weaves together a greater dialogue—one that reflects the resilience, beauty, and complexity of the African diaspora.
“I hope that my collection will spark a discussion about the importance of art collecting by younger black professionals. It is a lifelong journey and a way to leave a lasting legacy for your children and also build and transfer generational wealth.”
Catalog of Cultural Wealth
Among the prized jewels in Burke's treasury is "There is a Woman in Every Color" by Elizabeth Catlett, an acquisition she cherishes deeply for its emblematic importance. The collection also boasts original works from Faith Ringgold, Woodrow Nash, and her recent addition, "Reflected Light," by Akindele John—a Nigerian artist who captivates with vivid colors and stirring compositions. Each artist, each creation, adds a layer of context to the overarching goal—a curated exhibition of global black art that interlaces the past, present, and future.
Foresight for a Flourishing Collection
With each strategic acquisition, Burke not only seeks to adorn her environment but also prep for a future where her collection can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with pillars like The Kinsey Collection. Every artwork is more than an aesthetic choice; it's an investment in the narrative and financial future she cultivates for her son, and the community that will come to benefit from the shared cultural wealth. Her measured and purpose-driven acquisitions are a testament to her commitment to legacy-building through art.
When asked about the vision for her collection in the next 5, 10, and 15 years, Burke shares, "In the upcoming 5 to 10 years, I aim to enrich my home with art through strategic acquisitions of specific artists and pieces. Looking ahead to 15-20 years, my aspiration is to build a collection akin to The Kinsey Collection, showcasing a curation of global black art that I can pass down to my son and share with my community."
A Tapestry of Meaningful Interactions
Burke's connection with her collection is intensely personal. Eschewing the notion of favoritism, she finds immeasurable value and unique stories within each piece, making moments of acquisition memorable milestones. These stories of artwork chosen not just for beauty but for emotional resonance and cultural representation are what make the Lavonne Burke collection a remarkable blueprint for integrating art into the ethos of generational wealth.
“Each piece has a special meaning and a special story behind its respective acquisition. They are all so unique and different.“
Infusing Future Generations with Cultural and Capital Equity
With each new artwork, Burke invests not only in financial equity but in a wellspring of cultural dialogue that unpacks the layers of the black experience. Her focus is unwavering—gifting future generations a trove of treasures that encapsulate the triumphs, challenges, and aspirations of their ancestry.
Through her mindful curation, Lavonne Burke stands to be an icon of intentional collecting, where every acquisition is a deliberate stitch in the tapestry of a rich and enduring legacy.
Art collecting, as embraced by Lavonne Burke, is indeed more than a hobby—it's a commitment to heritage, to beauty, and to the invaluable gift of generational wealth.
