Unusual Art and Antiques Purchases: Humorous Encounters and Unexpected Twists
In the world of art and antiques, stories of unusual and humorous ways of acquiring a desired piece are as fascinating as the pieces themselves. This article explores a few such tales, highlighting the quirks and humor behind the acquisition of art and valued items.
Finding Unique Art: A Most Peculiar Situation
My story begins in the bustling world of employees assisting with corporate moves. I had the unique honor of working alongside the Katzenbergers, a family that owned an agriculture machinery manufacturing company in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Their wife, an artist and stay-at-home mom, left a lasting impression on me through her beautifully crafted watercolors. This story revolves around an unusual and humorous encounter that led to the acquisition of one of her paintings.
When the Katzenbergers decided to move their company to Rosetown, about an hour west of Saskatoon, they faced the challenge of moving their vast collection of belongings. Meanwhile, their marriage hit turbulent waters, and the wife decided to return to her roots in Great Falls, Montana. The Katzenbergers sought help in packing, offering a unique deal to the helpers: pick one of her watercolors as compensation for their hard work.
With a mix of hesitation and excitement, my girlfriend and I chose a watercolor. As the story unfolded, the Katzenbergers managed to work things out after moving to Montana. To this day, I continue to be in touch with them and their children, often reminiscing about the time we spent in Saskatoon. Every time I walk into my living room, the watercolor serves as a visual reminder of those cherished early years and the positive influences in my life that made it special.
Antique Adventures: The Bamboo Armchair Tale
A thrilling adventure in acquiring an antique began for my husband at an eclectic antique shop. While browsing, he happened to come across a beautifully crafted bamboo armoire imported from the Philippines. The store owner informed him that another customer had placed an order, which was significantly overdue. He offered my husband a chance to secure the piece if the full payment could be made by the next day.
The next day, just minutes before the shop closed, he rushed back to inquire about the armoire. Much to his frustration, the armoire had been purchased and picked up by the new owner. My husband vowed to continue his search for a similar piece, and to his surprise, he stumbled upon an almost identical bamboo armoire on Craigslist four years later. The piece was priced at the same amount as the one he had missed in the antique shop years ago.
We decided to visit the seller, who lived around 15 hours away. While chatting, the seller revealed that this was, indeed, the very same armoire. This humorous twist highlighted the value of persistence and a keen eye in the world of antiques.
Conclusion
The stories of acquiring art and antiques, as shared here, showcase the often humorous and unpredictable nature of these purchases. Whether it's the feeling of immediacy in deciding between paintings or the thrill of finding a nearly identical antique, these experiences add a layer of joy and a story to the artifacts themselves. Next time you browse for a piece of art or an antique, cherish the journey it brings, for it could be a tale worth remembering.