Do you think there¿s a difference between collecting art and
anything else?
James: Well, we are interested in music in the same
way we're interested in art. We have a collection of thousands of CDs. The two
interests come together in the video art we've bought. I've always liked the
idea of combining a moving image with music. Years ago, I would play the
television with the sound off and then accompany it with a soundtrack of music
by John Zorn or Stockhausen, or something trippy.
How does your
collection reflect you?
Barry: The most defining thing about the
collection is that we largely buy the work of young artists and we don't spend a
lot of money. When people come here I sometimes imagine they think we're richer
than we are, but it doesn't require a fortune to collect art. We gradually fell
into our "art habit," so we don't really think of ourselves as collectors. We
both still wince when using that term.
James: The good thing about not
spending the money is that the art stays "priceless." We aren't tempted to see
the works as commodities or as any kind of invesment. Above all, the collection
is always a lot of fun for us, and it both takes and gives back a great deal of
energy.
Do you have any advice you could share with other
collectors?
Barry: Trust your own reaction to a piece. I like asking
what someone knows about an artist or work, but in the end it's about what it
means to you.
James: Spend as much time looking at work as you can spare.
You won't be bored and sometimes you will be bowled-over. Don't be in too much
of a hurry to bring it home; there will always be time for that (if not space).
