LOVE FOR SALE
As I've said many times before, nothing is truly
more personal than one's abode. Some state that
home is where the heart is. Our home (see above
and left) is a physical representation of who we
are and what we love. Just yesterday Christie's
auctioned the contents of four "home-a-holics."
Men who created and lived in environments that
were the manifestation of lives well spent. Yet as
I flipped through the catalog I couldn't help but
feel sad. In that while quite lovely and collectible,
most of their live's assemblage have now become
things taken out of context. Vestiges of the past.
The question is can old friends find new lovers?
As with many arbiters of taste - the four gentlemen
in question preferred the company of other men.
Hence while boys who like boys don't appreciate
being stereotyped - we do have an innate knack for
decorating. Half of the auction was the contents of
Kenneth Jay Lane's apartment (above) in a lovely
Stanford White designed building on Park Avenue.
"Kenny" (shown right) made his fortune in over the
top faux bijoux. The second grouping was from the
collection of fashion designer Arnold Scaasi and
Parker Ladd, his hubby of fifty three years. Finally
the day ended with a group of items from Robert
Couturier's oft photographed soho loft.
Obviously the sale was due to the fact the four
esteemed gentlemen had exited the premises.
Three no longer living and one not willing to
live amongst their treasures. In his early sixties
Robert Couturier has moved on. That is with
his husband Jeffrey to their Connecticut estate.
Hence like many of us they're downsizing. All
of the above are key drivers in the antiques and
"vintage" market. Ultimately one can have too
much of a good thing. However with the joy of
owning beautiful things comes responsibility
and maintenance. Thus living a lovely life can
literally kill you. Or... at least tire one out.
In theory the idea of dealing with some estate's
castoffs could be macabre. However time, age,
and use provide more than provenance or patina.
In my humble opinion, the spirit of those who
have loved and lost continues on to their former
possession's new homes. So even if Arnold and
Parker (right) are long gone, they live on in the
things they once adored. Together they shared
the camaraderie of kindred tastes. Plus the eye
to create and curate beauty within their sphere
of influence. Which is exactly why Frank and
I are in business. We adore lovely things. Yet
nothing makes us happier than passing them on.
At time even we fall in love with the treasures we sell.
For months we had an amazing carved buddha head
that everyone in the shop adored. Then a customer
took it home - leaving an empty spot in the store and
our hearts. We recently hung several abstract paintings
that are beyond breathtaking. At left is piece created
by Robert Baranet - a Connecticut painter of renown.
Part of his "Farmhouse Series" it is signed 1991 in the
lower right corner. In the photo above is "Mayfly" by
James Bason - a Montana painter based in Great Falls.
Both "speak to us" in mysterious ways. However we
know we can't get too attached as I'm sure they'll soon
find a home. The question is... will it be yours or ours?
415 West Janeaux Street
Lewistown, Montana 59457
ABSTRACTS
I don't know about you
but seeing the world via an artist's eye inspires us.
Abstracts allow you to see things for yourself.
Creating a vision all of your own.
So why not come in and see for yourself...
Click here for further information on www.cvhomemt.com
but seeing the world via an artist's eye inspires us.
Abstracts allow you to see things for yourself.
Creating a vision all of your own.
So why not come in and see for yourself...
Click here for further information on www.cvhomemt.com
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