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06-049. David Gil
Fish-form bowl
Bennington Potters
USA, c. 1960
Glazed ceramic
Manufacturer's mark
I've come to the decision that I need to be more careful about the items I decide to purchase and which I pass up. This fish-shaped bowl is a great example of my newfound conservatism (a word I do not take lightly) in collecting. A few months ago I would have purchased it without second thought. Today, however, I decided that I really do not "need" a fish-shaped bowl, no matter how attractive.
Actually, the word "need" in conjunction with collecting is a funny combination. Not long ago I had a discussion with a friend who happens to be a collector of similar objects, and in our conversation used the word "need" several times. My friend laughed at the thought of purchasing something because of necessity, which gave me an interesting insight to what the difference is between a top-level collector and an amateur like myself. I depend on fortune of events to build my collection—I simply buy interesting objects I stumble across by accident, most often purchasing them for a tiny percentage of their "worth" on the open market—while a more dedicated gatherer might more depend on monetary fortune and single-minded dedication to finding a very specific example to fit their collection. As long as I realize this, I am at peace with my place in the hierarchy of collectors.
Left in situ on July 05, 2006 in New Hope, MN.
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