Something old, Something new..then “vintage” is for you.
Hanging in my atelier (workspace) is this 1930’s “vintage” mirror.
Where did the idea of vintage emerge from? Vintage is a new trend which is practically old trends with new perspectives. As a collector of vintage myself, I was not fully certain of what the attraction was. At first, I thought of it as an alternative to shopping that was beneficial to the environment and promoted a sustainable future. Surely enough, that remains to be true. Then, it was the thrill of the hunt, seeking out special pieces that had an entire life before making their way to me. Lastly, I realized that the clothes that were older than some in my closet or the furniture in my living room from previous eras held longer and kept their original form saving me more money. Timeless items meant they never went out of style. I had one of everything and that’s all I needed.
However, it was not until my father received bad news concerning his health that I reevaluated myself and discovered that I bared a sense of attachment and had trouble letting go of things out of my control. Oddly enough and with the help of one of my favorite French wines, I made the connection to my reasoning for loving vintage. “Are we all attached to memories that once were?” That was the question I had asked myself under the influence of the wine. We seem to cling to the past. Some would say it affects our present and defines our future. Others say there is no past and no future, simply the present. I’m still learning to grasp these profound notions. But as of today, I focus on my own concept: Without history, we would not have the knowledge to grow (past), without growth, we cannot live (present) and without living, there is no (future). Each subject on different spectrums but relatable somewhat. It is okay to enjoy our possessions and they offer us lessons but not allow them to attack us.
Basically, what I mean to say is to appreciate life as it once was but not dwell for it to remain the same and always remember that someone else will own it next and reciprocate that feeling that you once had. I’ve always had an interest in knowing why I did the things I did and why I said the things I said. How small details of our personality or interests carry deeper meaning. In every situation I’ve encountered, I’ve somehow learned something about myself and I think that by finding that something old that dawdles inside of you, you will discover something new and realize shortly why “vintage” is for you.
