The Curated Canvas of Raquel Seymone: An Art Collector's Odyssey

In the world of art collecting, few things resonate more profoundly than the personal journey of a collector. For Raquel Seymone, the odyssey is etched with memories, a poignant timeline, and a vivid showcase of her curiosity through art. Art enthusiasts, collectors, and gallery owners, this feature doesn't just explore a collection; it unfurls the tapestries of intention, history, and personal evolution that Seymone's gallery of curiosities represents.

A Collector's First Love

Every collector remembers their first. For Seymone, it wasn't just any piece – it was the start of her identity as a collector. "The first works I felt like I collected 'as a collector' were these small portraits of Jean-Michele Basquiat and Frida Kahlo by Catrina Long," Seymone recalls. The thrill of the chase, the initial hesitation to reach out, and the eventual triumph of acquisition set the foundation of her collecting ethos – one rooted in emotion, admiration, and the appreciation of art that speaks to her.

The Journey into Comfort

For many, the art world may appear intimidating, shrouded in the veneer of exclusivity and a daunting lexicon. Seymone was no stranger to these initial trepidations: "It's an ongoing journey for me, but it initially required me to become much more comfortable learning and talking about art." It's a candid admission that echoes the sentiments of many burgeoning collectors and creators alike. The evolution from apprehension to a steadfast trust in her taste marks a significant transformation in how Seymone approaches the collecting process.

Memorable Acquisitions and Dreams Realized

Talk to any collector, and they will likely have that 'one' story – a tale of the dream piece that seemed far-reaching. Seymone lived this with the acquisition of a work by Delita Martin. Drafting a five-year plan with Martin's name on it, Seymone never anticipated the stars aligning so soon at the Align ROI's Emerging Collectors Brunch hosted at Martin's studio. Joking about swapping 'Usher in Las Vegas' for a Delita Martin, Seymone jovially confesses, "Zero regrets."

Representations and Reflections

Seymone's collection isn't tethered by a single theme; instead, it's an anthology of her life's phases, representing her life and her environment: Each piece holds a mirror to moments in time—"The work I collected while grieving my grandmother's passing looks very different from the work I collected when I was locked in the house during the early parts of the pandemic - and those periods look drastically different from my more impulsive “oooh this is cool and in my budget” era.” These aren't just art pieces; they're chapters in Seymone's chronological compendium.

Mark Francis, Ibeji, My Keeper, 2020

Looking ahead, Seymone envisions her collection as a repository of her inquisitiveness. "I hope my collection is a visual representation of my curiosities – about myself, my communities, the world around me," she says, contemplating the aesthetics and narratives that shape our world.

Favorites & Great-Grandmother's Legacy

Unsurprisingly, the most cherished pieces stem from her own lineage – the legacy artwork of her great-grandmother, a full-time artist who was based in Washington DC. “I have the last known surviving artworks from my paternal great-grandmother, who was a full-time artist in Washington DC.” Madonna of the Cotton Field. Seymone fondly shares that this piece represents a quintessential art memory—imbued with wonder upon learning that her ancestor painted such a masterpiece. It's a connection that transcends time, embodying the soulful link between past and present. “I still vividly remember my shock and awe while standing on top of my alphabet table to stare at the painting when my grandmother told me her mom painted it.”

Ibraim Nascimento, I’m Here, 2023

Transaction to Relationship

What about the acquisition process? For Seymone, professionalism and ease are paramount. Collecting art transcends transactional exchanges; it's about forming a relationship rooted in respect and mutual appreciation for art. Whether it's through an artist directly, a dealer, a gallery, or auction houses—it's the kinship cultivated throughout that process that Seymone values exceedingly.

It's clear that Raquel Seymone is not just accumulating art. She is stitching a quilt of experiences, cultivating a sanctuary where each piece reverberates with personal narratives and cultural dialogues. In Seymone's world, collecting is not just an investment in art; it's an investment in the personal growth and shared human experience that art embodies.

Louise Winifred Blackwell Meekins, Madonna of the Cotton Field

For art aficionados, Seymone's narrative offers more than inspiration. It's a pledge that in the realm of art collection, courage, and personal truth wield the real power to curate a collection that transcends mere aesthetics—it's a canvas of the collector's soul.