Belonging
Naturally Acquisitive
What does it mean to collect?
I’m often struck by how acquisitive the human species is and fascinated by what industrious builders and collectors we are.
I love materials: wood, textiles, stone, metal, paper, glass, paint... I’ve never met a material I didn’t like, and discovering new ones fills me with wonder. I find it nearly impossible to stop myself from picking up a beautiful shell or stone when at the beach or out for a walk. I feel we have this inclination to collect that serves an important purpose. Not only do we collect objects, but we also collect friends, family, experiences, memories, dreams, thoughts, and ideas.
“Like bees, birds, and many other creatures, we human beings use instinctive behaviors to call forth one another’s attachment responses. We also have a kind of courtship dance meant to attract other people and to form connections with them. Undoubtedly the most essential function of this dance, on par with procreation, is the collection of children.” (Neufeld, Gordon, and Mate, Gabor. Hold On to Your Kids. Vintage Canada, 2004)