This collector story is unique, Bruce Shores, an artist wears the hat of both collector and collected. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like, or what it means to artists to have their work collected, Bruce gives us his point of view.

Below Remembering Iowa from the collection of Dave Staub

“It has always been a source of encouragement and joy to have my paintings collected. To know that they have found a home in someone’s heart confirms that they have a life outside of my studio. I am humbled by that fact. It is very important that an artist is collected. It is an essential element in the growth of an artist. It provides the means, both monetarily and as a verifying element, for the artist to continue exploring and finding where their pursuit is taking them. The relationship with a collector can be very satisfying as well. Friendships develop where the mutual exchange of ideas and concerns lead to very rich interactions.

I enjoy collecting myself. One of the things I collect are old etchings from antique dealers. It is fun to find an etching from sometime in the early 20^th century or so that was well crafted with a very elegant use of the unique line characteristics of etching. The discovery of an etching that was treated as just another cheap reproduction from someone’s estate is a real thrill. I suppose it is akin to finding a beautiful seashell while strolling along the beach.”