I love art collectors. This is, of course, an understatement. But I don’t see it as a self-serving relationship, rather one of shared passions. It struck me recently that many art blogs focus on the art, rather than the connection with the art collector. So: I’ve decided to profile one of my favorite collectors among the many, many wonderful people who collect my art.

Although Michele Joseph is not my most prolific collector (she owns three of my paintings), I wanted to profile her in order to break the stereotype that only attorneys and doctors and those with lots of disposable income have the ability to collect art.

I met Michele through my sister, Jeanie, and she has become a close friend. After I finished painting today, I visited her at her home in Lake Oswego to photograph some of her beautiful decor and interview her. Michele does Floral, Interior and Garden Design, supplementing these with a house-cleaning business and painting (walls).  When I had my back surgery this fall, it was lucky for me that Michele had found a recent painting that she needed for her collection. She was able to finish up a lot of the painting upstairs, and I hate to admit how much of my holiday decorating resulted from her handiwork and ideas.

'Forest Edge' framed without glass and floated

When Michele first viewed my art, I noticed the passionate, determined way that she admired it, and set about looking for a way that she could acquire it. Her enthusiasm and desire were contagious, and she found a way that worked for both of us. Our first transaction involved both cash and trade. In exchange for a downpayment plus several weeks of house-cleaning (which was desperately needed here) plus some furniture refinishing, Michele acquired “Two Together”.

Michele with "Two Together" in her Living Room

Today, I asked Michele: “When did you first become interested in art?”

Michele: I’ve always been interested in art, since I was a teen. I’ve always had friends that have been creative people and artists. I had a friend when I lived at the coast who did scrimshaw and painted. His mother was a big influence on me and taught me about different types of art; she was a collector.  After High School I traded with quite a few different artists, doing macrame. In that era I think people had more time and were more willing to help each other. In my early 20’s I worked at Thelma Pearson’s art gallery at the coast. I’ve also worked at a frame shop and I’ve volunteered at the Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery more recently.

Question: As a Designer, what do you think original art does for a home?

Michele: Art is the best way to express someone’s personal style. Because art appreciation is such an individual thing… those who purchase it really love it, so it is a way to express yourself in your home. For instance, I like to travel. I’ve collected art in Italy, Warsaw, Mexico…. small paintings, weavings, carvings, things that were easy to bring home. I’m discriminating. I don’t just love or buy everything. But when I really love something, I try to find a way to have it. But I believe in the law of attraction, too. Visualization is a powerful tool. I’m a networker. I will find a way to get it or find someone to help me get it if I really want it. I’ve bartered for hair services, gym membership, acupuncture, massage, furniture, housing… you name it.

To illustrate what a special person Michele is, let’s just say she is one of the handful of people that Lola (studio dog) just adores! Lola was so excited to visit Michele today 🙂

Lola & Michele, One of my earlier still life paintings in the background

If you’re one of my collectors who would like to be profiled on this blog, just leave me a comment! I think it could be a fun series of posts. And if you are looking for some help with floral design, decor or just household cleaning or maintenance, drop Michele a line: mlj (underscore) designconsultant (@) yahoo.com (remove spaces & parenthesis for email) Most of all, if you see a piece of art you love, feel free to talk to the artist or gallery about ways that you might acquire it. Most artists are happy to work with collectors to arrange payment plans, barter or find other ways to help you get their work in your hands. After all, connecting with the viewer is what it’s all about.