The Private Collection: Randy Redfield

I posted a close approximation to the following on December 3rd, 2008. Though at that time I did not have an image of the largest of my Redfield paintings. This is essentially a republication of the original text with the an image of the beautiful Randy Redfield painting I bought that day.

Buying art is a tricky thing . It’s a bold move, plunking down hundreds or thousands of dollars for a work of art. Many feel they need to justify their decision, intellectually; defend it to their friends. I didn’t suffer that hurdle, but pragmatism nagged me; I’m not a rich man. My problem was thinking of all the ‘sensible’ things I needed, and comparing it to my desire for this piece of art.

The process included a piece by Oregon artist, Randy Redfield Month after month, a few of his pieces drew me in. One in particular, I wanted. I vacillated. I never stopped wanting it, but I tried to justify it to myself. There were two Redfield’s from the same series. I loved them both, but had a favorite. Then, one month, it was gone. My favorite of the two was gone.

I walked in circles. I contemplated shortly. Then I started looking for a little red sticker. I couldn’t let the other one slip away. I bought it that night and I’ve enjoyed it ever since and come to like it more than the one I let slip into someone else’s hands.

And as I was talking to Randy, contemplating his piece, he said something that has stuck with me. I believe I referred to his piece as abstract, but he quickly corrected me. “It’s not an abstraction of anything”. He’s right! Of course he’s right! It’s not a Chagall. It’s not Picasso. It’s not a woman with a funny head. It’s pure color, texture, line, space, light, dark. “It’s a color field” Randy explained.

That has been an important addition to my art-vocabulary. I liken it to music that’s pure instrumental. It doesn’t relate to tangible things. But it can be sublime. Thanks Randy, for the clarification and the painting.

I understand Randy’s work can now be seen at Bend’s newest and best contemporary art gallery, BICA.

The Private Collection: Lisa Copenhagen-Wachs

I got a postcard in the mail advertising Lisa Copenhagen-Wachs' work to be exhibited at a Bend gallery. I loved the painting on the postcard. And I'd been a fan of Lisa's work since... since forever. As much as I liked Lisa's previous work, including a beautiful assemblage I'd purchased a couple years prior, this particular piece on the postcard grabbed ahold of me.

I liked the form. I liked the color. I liked the name. And what the hell, I like Lisa! Every art collector knows that any art shines brighter if you know and like the artist.

The day the show came around, I had no particular plans. Friday art walks have always been my favorite days. This one was a bit more exciting since a friend was having a show. But I'd just planned to attend and see her work; see some good friends; tour the galleries.

When I walked in, I saw the painting. I saw it in real life. I don't even think I said hello. I didn't even talk to the gallery owner, John; I took a little red sticker and stuck it next to "Five is the Number of Change" before anyone else had an opportunity to. And I've been very pleased with that decision ever since.

The painting has traveled with me to three different houses. I've looked at it, nearly every day for many years, and I enjoy it as much today as I did that first day I saw it. And Lisa was kind enough to autograph the postcard advertising the show, which I slipped into the back of the panel, just for provenance.

Oddly, I never asked Lisa about the name of the painting "Five is the Number of Change". I love that title, but don't know where it came from. I think about it often. Perhaps Lisa can help us out?

You can see other, current works by Lisa Copenhagen-Wachs at BICA in Bend, OR.