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Ars Longa is a journal of fine arts, modernist design, and thrift shop archaeology. Nicely designed objects and beautiful artworks can be affordably attained by everyone, you just have to know where to look.
Each month I visit dozens of thrift shops, junk dealers, garage sales, flea markets, and the occasional antique store in an archaeological search for mid-20th century modernist decorative, applied, and fine arts. Because of the way I go about searching for and researching objects, the pieces I normally find are quite eclectic. My tastes are constantly evolving, and the items I purchase often reflect those changes. One moment I may be drawn to Russel Wright's dinnerware, the next moment I'm looking at a great piece of Eames furniture. I will also often pick up a nicely designed object even if I don't know the artist or designer. Sometimes these pieces end up being the most fun and challenging to research, and research is an integral of building a great collection.
Another topic I will visit from time to time is fine art — specifically works on paper. Again, my small collection is eclectic, so artists I discuss will be whomever has my interest at the moment. Normally I am drawn to "the moderns" ... but I often am distracted by other periods, styles, and artistic movements.
The one important factor in my collecting—whether midcentury modern objects or art—is if an item "speaks" to me. Does it have beauty in form? Does it function as it was intended? If it does, I will likely pick up that discarded and under-appreciated object from the junk shop shelf and bring it home as mine.
Hopefully in reading these memoirs you'll be inspired to begin your own hunt. Remember: life is short, art endures.
Scott Lindberg
sllab studios
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I am always interested in hearing your ideas. If you have anything to add to my notes regarding an item, want to correct an assertion I make, or just are looking to chat about modernism, please email me at scott@sllab.net or use the form below to send me your thoughts and ideas. Please, share your finds and stories!
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