Everyone Needs a Little Pink

Sometimes people ask me why, when the economy is flailing, would I be selling collectibles and antiques? Well the answer is simple, because we need beauty to help us rise above. Yes it's hard, but nothing worth doing is ever easy. And I can say with absolute certainty, this is not easy!! But it is fullfilling, and worthwhile and most of all brings me and my customers much, much joy.

When I recieve feedback from buyers who are thrilled with their purchases I feel I have done my job and I view that job as spreading joy and preserving special moments in time. No, we don't need things to make us happy but they can help us express our selves, especially for those of us who aren't particularly crafty or artisitc. And we can (though indirectly I suppose) support art. Isn't it wonderful that there are still Tiffany Lamps, Baccarat Crystal and Stueben and Lalique Glass out there? I for one want to live in a world that includes beautiful objets d'art.

So without further ado my pick for this week is the Art of American born Canadian resident Robert Held. His glass art makes me swoon and every time I find a piece of glass made by him I want to keep it. 

This little gem is no exception.

This is an earlier vase made when his company name was still Skookum Art Glass. It is signed Skookum. I love the irridescent blue spatters on delicate blush pink because, you know, everyone needs a little pink.

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I'm beginning a a new feature today, I've decided to start promoting friends and fellow collectors wherever they may be. I'm so happy to introduce you this week to Magpie! The newest jewel on Main Street in the hip and happening neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant.

 Darren Marshall has an eye for the sparkly, a true talent for design, and a love of all precious and wonderful objets d'art from our past and present. Together with partner Lloyd the go to guy, the man who holds it all together, they opened Magpie only two short weeks ago. 

Walking into Magpie is like walking into a giant Treasure Chest. Everywhere you look there is colour and sparkle enveloped in deep aubergine walls, lit by more sparkle. It is truly a feast for the eyes. Whether its First Nations art,  Mid-Century Hand Blown Glass,  Antique Chintz Porcelain, or  Stunning 19th Century,Vintage or Modern Jewelry, you'll find something for every taste, fancy or whim. 

Darren's Picks: 

This glowing golden mixed metal monkey sculpture, made in the fifties by celebrated Mexican artist Sergio Bustamente

This beautiful Black Opera Coat made circa 1890 is all hand sewn silk with beaded fringe. It was made locally and the beads are made of jet. 

You owe it to yourself to go and see these and the other wonderful treasures at Magpie, 3633 Main Street, Vancouver.