Today’s digression is all about a piece of art — a piece of art that I own. Who cares that I spent the day on Vashon for a brunch with friends.
My collection of art runs to the works of artist friends of mine. It is not a collection meant for profit, it is a collection meant for my (and hopefully my circle of friends) enjoyment.
Our story starts in 1990 at a Butterfields Auction in San Francisco where my friend Alicia is philandering with a married man and bids a low price (as recommended by said married man) on a piece of artwork in the AIDS Benefit portion of the auction.
By some stroke of luck in this silent auction, she, in fact, buys this piece of art called “The Legs of Christ”.
Luckily, the Butterfields auction warehouse is a couple of blocks from her SRO (single room occupancy) apartment in the South of Market (SOMO) area of San Francisco. She presents herself (and her check) at the desk to pick up the piece of art.
“Where is your truck so we can load it?”
“I only live a few blocks from here, I can carry it home.”
Quizzical looks by the Butterfield’s people.
“Ah, do you know how big it is?”
Alicia uses her hand to measure out what is about two by three feet.
“Ah, maybe you better come an take a look at it again.”
This piece is 30″ x 48″ and weighs in at around 100+ pounds. It is so heavy that it has to use a French Hanger to mount it to the wall.
The staff takes pity and several of them walk the piece to her apartment, which is on the third floor of a walk-up building. The set it against the only wall, where it blocks most of the light coming in from the window. Alicia follows with the box of pieces that have already fallen off the piece.
Stay tuned for the rest of the story in tomorrow adventure… Art On The Move.
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