COLLECTOR PROFILE Whenever I acquire a new work, it is always an

exciting process. I mainly look for a special feeling it produces within me. Beyond its physical aesthetics, I consider whether it evokes an emotion that connects me to some memory or story. Since August of last year, I have collected Michael Summers, Merriam, Asencio and now Royo. Each one holds special significance for me and I collect them for different reasons — although I have to admit, with regard to my favorite artist, Michael Summers, beyond the playful antics of the tigers in Color Play that remind me of my cats, it is his colors that really draw me. They are simply fun to look at.

Art collecting has truly transformed my reality. I

Above: “Changing Spots”, Michael Summers Fine Art Open Edition, 10” x 10”

Left, Bottom: “The Perfect Pairing”, Christopher M. Fine Art Limited Edition, 14” x 18”

“Art collecting has truly transformed my reality. I can’t believe it took all these years to discover the importance and meaning it could have. I wish I had known earlier the joys of collecting art.”

As you can imagine, I was shocked that something

as simple as work of art could produce such a powerful connection, transformation and healing. As I continued to visit the gallery, I began spending more and more time taking in the works of the other artists. Slowly, I began to understand that I see art more through my heart than through my eyes. There is so much there to unveil. I realize the art understands me and where I am. For example, when I first saw my most recent Asencio, Goddess, I gasped. She immediately told me just to breathe. Finding this work of art was pivotal for me as I discovered it on the eve of my husband’s death.

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIONS GALLERIES

can’t believe it took all these years to discover the importance and meaning it could have. I wish I had known earlier the joys of collecting art. One of the most interesting things I enjoy about collecting is the experience of meeting and spending time with the artists. Whenever I watch Summers paint, I realize that each stroke becomes a chord in a symphony and I am privileged not only to witness its creation, I have the opportunity to take it home and make it part of my legacy.

One of the other things I enjoy about collecting is giving artwork as a gift. When Michael Summers’ Changing Spots came out, I thought of my friend Holly. She was so instrumental in providing support after the initial wave of condolences at the time of my husband’s death. Intuitively, she was the one who seemed to understand where I was. She didn’t overextend herself or push herself on me. She simply let me know “she was right there, only a phone call away.” It was that little voice — represented by the baby leopard in the painting — that I had in the back of my mind. Then when the time came for me to seek additional support from friends, Holly was again there for me in a big way. Now she was the bigger leopard, sheltering me with unconditional love as I was “changing my spots,” going through a particularly difficult phase in the grieving process.

As I look around my home and see the works I

have acquired so far, it makes me feel I have paved my walls with my own yellow brick road. My memories and stories have become immortalized through the talent of master artists I am privileged to support. I truly feel I have been perfectly paired with a new lifestyle that celebrates the memories I have, the creation of new ones, and all the people and things I love so much about life.

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