Janice and Mitch discovered their passion for art by chance in their late 20s and 30s. What began as a family interest grew into a diverse collection of original paintings, sculptures, and limited-edition prints. They believe art enriches life, reflecting their growth as collectors. Advocating to start young, they encourage others to let their tastes evolve and find inspiration in their chosen pieces. This series will blend interviews and visual storytelling to highlight their journey, the personal and emotional aspects of art collecting, and the richness of Estelle.’s Secondary Art Market.
Could you share the story of how you first began collecting art?
M+J: Art was a lucky accident that we fell into and has filled our lives with so much joy. Collecting art started with exposure from our family and when we were in our late 20s and early 30s, we really began to learn the value and importance of it in our life for so many reasons as it's so enriching. We love what Estelle. stands for because we were young collectors once and now we look at our collection and think how amazing it would be if others could start at a young age like we did.
What drew you to the pieces in your collection? Any specific artists or styles you are particularly passionate about?
M+J: Our collection is vast in style and mediums ranging from original oil paintings, sculptures, etchings and limited edition prints. There is a personal reason we were drawn to each piece and recognize just how subjective it can be. Our style and tastes are different between the two of us but something about the pieces in our collection reflect who both of us are together. We love original work and care deeply about spotlighting emerging artists as well as collecting mid-career artists' works. We are great admirers of contemporary art and love colorful works.
How does your art collection reflect your personal journey or experiences?
M+J: Our collection reflects our growth as people and as collectors. When we look at our collection now, including the pieces where we began, you can see the evolution of our collecting journey. When you’re young, you buy what you like and when you have been collecting for a while, you start to look for things that move and inspire you as well. We have both spent a great deal of time in galleries, attending exhibitions and art fairs, visited with artists in their studios along with owning and operating an art gallery. The opportunity to be surrounded by creative and knowledgeable people in the art world as well as other collectors has been an incredible blessing in our lives.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their art collecting journey?
M+J: Discern and acquire only what you love and let your tastes and style change, evolve and grow as you do. Learn from people who want to share and help you develop as a collector. Find the pieces that elicit emotions of all kinds from you. Let art be the thing that inspires you to create a beautiful environment that you look forward to coming home to every day and never tire of. You will never regret it!
What was the first piece of art you ever purchased and why did it resonate with you?
M+J: At an art fair in San Francisco right after we were married 38 years ago. It was a very colorful piece that is still one of my favorite pieces and hanging on our wall to this day.
How has your approach to collecting art evolved over the years?
M+J: We still continue to buy only what we love. If you do that, you will never regret a purchase. Value to us is so much more than just the investment aspect of art. It has to speak to and move you emotionally to where you can’t stop thinking about it. You then know that it is meant for you.
Are there any particular themes or motifs that you are drawn to in your collection?
M+J: We love abstract and contemporary art but are also drawn to figurative pieces with a man and woman in them. Many of our pieces have a couple in them in varying forms. But our collection is so varied and eclectic after all these years, which in our eyes is the best way to build a personal collection.
How do you decide which pieces to add to your collection?
M+J: My biggest piece of advice is to buy what you LOVE!
Can you share a memorable story behind one of your favorite pieces?
M+J: This is hard because we have so many! One of our favorite pieces was actually given to us by (Janice’s) our parents. It’s an Erte sculpture that I helped them acquire when they first started their collection. We're so grateful to now have this beautiful sculpture in ours and that we love looking at every day!
How has collecting art impacted your life or your family?
M+J: Estelle pulled me (Janice) into the art world by asking me to come work with her at age 25, Mitch started with her when he was 10! Janice’s path in the art world started with her invaluable guidance and knowledge and has continued to this very day.
Shop the Secondary Art Market and Sell with Estelle. today.
