I love original artwork. When I fall in love, there is no greater thrill for me than to be able to own an original piece that I can cherish always and forever. Years ago when I was gainfully employed as an art teacher, I stalked admired Kadir Nelson’s work (still do) and wished that I could afford one of his originals. One day, there was a painting that appeared on his web site titled “Rainbow”. It was a smaller painting, but was within my budget at only $1000 and I loved it. It spoke to me (cue the wind chimes). The image was a close up of a woman’s face with a rainbow painted across her eyelid. I waited and waited to buy it, debating whether or not I could make that type of investment. When I finally mustered up the courage to purchase the painting it was gone. To this day it is one of my biggest regrets. Now it haunts me (cue the weepy violins).
Since then I vowed to seize opportunities to purchase original art when I can.
That being said, 826LA held an OH NO art auction with Dan Santat back in August. I saw that Sean Qualls (who I also stalk admire) had a piece up for bidding and I jumped at the chance to own it. A few days went by and I won the piece! Happy Day!!!
Not only did I get to add a new piece of art to my (modest) collection and a signed copy of Dan’s awesome book, OH NO! (Or, How my Science Project Destroyed the World), with a signed limited edition print, but I was also supporting 826LA, a non-profit organization that provides free literacy programs to thousands of students living in underserved neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
6 Comments
lauren castillo
October 12, 2010Hahaa, that’s great you won Sean’s piece!! I REALLY wanted to bid on it too (that, and a bunch of other pieces!)! Sadly though, I wasn’t able to…but I’m glad to hear it’s found a home in your studio 🙂 xoxo
Shadra
October 13, 2010Yep, it’s waiting to be framed in my flat files~ It was a great auction for a great cause. I was shocked that I won it; I guess I got lucky this time around.
Sean
October 14, 2010Glad you got the piece, Shadra! Next time we’ll have to trade.
Shadra
October 14, 2010Me too Sean! It’s in safe hands 😉 (a.k.a. I will be stealing all of your secrets after studying this painting). A trade sounds delicious! Just the inspiration I need to make new excting stuff!
Sean
October 14, 2010How funny! However, I never use all of my secrets in one piece…just in case. 🙂
Denene@MyBrownBaby
October 22, 2010Oh my goodness, an children’s art lover after my own heart! I adore Kadir Nelson (was introduced to his work in Dancing in the Wings, and have been totally addicted ever since) and also get obsessed when I identify a piece that I reaaaally want. Thanks for sharing your big win…
I’m stopping by at the behest of Nicole Tagdell, who introduced herself and your work over at my blog. Cyberhugs from one black children’s book and art lover to another!