THE COLLECTION

My collection paints a portrait of a man who once was.

If the walls could speak, they would have told you my secrets. Only by studying my collection could you have known who I was.

Over the past 30 years, I amassed close to 300 pieces. My art gave voice to that I was too fearful to speak, and my collection defined my place in the world.

A collection mirrors its collector, and I collected folk and outsider art. Most of the objects were figurative, and many were portraits.

All spoke of a journey of self-discovery. Each touched an aspect of my hidden self.

While many of the images were simple, their message was not. In folk art, as in life, things are seldom as they appear.

On closer inspection, a seemingly simple self-portrait vibrated with sexual energy. An electric-landscape spoke to the search for self.

The outsider art were many of my favorites. I related to the artists. Like them, I felt I never fit in.

I admired their courage. They stood against conformity. Comfortable with themselves, they were freed of critics' reviews and society's expectations.

The raw honesty of their work shone a harsh light on my own life. In 1998, I underwent what many would call a "midlife crisis." I began the journey of reclaiming my authentic self. I left a big job in Atlanta and moved to Asheville; many come to these mountains to heal.

As I slowly began to shed layer after layer of my persona, I found I no longer needed my collection to define me. Approximately five years, I sold all but twenty pieces of the collection.

A collector will always be a collector. In no time, I was collecting again. This one I called my "Lost Souls Collection". I adopted abandoned portraits from antique stores and flea markets and gave them a home. Some were beautifully painted; others were not. Each told a story of its sitter.

At dinner parties, I would invite guests to select a portrait who spoke to them and tell a story. The story always reflected their own.

Last year, I gave most of the Lost Souls to a local church. I keep only my favorites. Today, my collection consists of an eclectic mixture of outsider art, portraiture, and my own art.

The collector has become the creator. I paint in the style I loved to collect.

(click image to enlarge)

Yankee Girl J.T. "Jake" McCord House Paint on Wood 44-1/4 X 25-1/4 inches	Jake Johnson Buzz Busby Mixed media, pictured with artist 60 X 14 inches	The Hope Luis Monza Oil on Canvas 53-1/3 X 41-1/2 inches	Despair Archie Byron Sawdust and Glue 43 X 12-1/2 X 14 inches
California Bush Fire Andrea Badami Oil on canvas, pictured with artist 34 X 27 inches		Self Portrait Malcah Zeldis Oil on board 31 X 31	Self Portrait Jon Serl Oil on board 48 X 40