Edition Announcement #88 - Luke Stephenson

It's-Wednesday-and-we're-having-a-party greetings, collectors! I was at dinner with a friend last night and he said to me, "I like getting your newsletters and all, but you always say, 'Greetings collectors' and I'm not really a collector, am I? I mean I just bought one photo." To which I replied, "That's my whole point! You are a collector. I think of everyone who buys a print, whether it's a $20, $200 or $2000 one, is a collector and I want them to think of themselves that way too." And suddenly he sat up and felt all important. And it was good. Why? I'll get into that in a minute but first things first!

Our Ornithology extravaganza continues today with White and Grey Canary #1, our second print from witty Brit Luke Stephenson. The largest sized version of this is hanging at the gallery alongside its cousin Yellow Canary #1, and as you see from the installation photos, they're quite a fetching pair. I've already gone on about how crazy I am about Luke's work, and collectors were in hearty agreement — his first canary sold out in the small and medium sizes in a flash. Scoot yourself off and try to get one, I'll be here when you're done.

Where was I? Oh yes, collectors and why it's important to me that 20x200 collectors think of themselves that way. The idea that anyone can be a collector is at the core of this whole "art for everyone" idea I've been hustling over the past five years or so.

Living with art is great, it's a comfort and it keeps your walls from being boring. Aside from that, making choices about what you like and don't like helps you know yourself better. (I've found that not liking something can be especially formative.) Considering yourself a collector, even if you've just bought a $20 print, gives some well-deserved gravitas to both your choosing and the work itself.

I believe in all the work that I present here and in the artists making it. I believe it's important and it's good and that living with it will make your life better in one way or another. And you're supporting those artists, which is a big deal. So, yea, my pal Steve is a collector and you are too.

Tonight's festivities at Crown Point Press are shaping up to be quite the to-do. Lots of people are coming and I'm really looking forward to rubbing elbows with a whole new breed of art patrons. If I don't see you later, I'll see you next week, when I return with more art for everyone.

Previous Newsletter : Edition Announcement #87 - Amy Ross