September 24th, 2009 — Collectibles, Music, Woodwind Instruments
Collecting woodwind instruments is a great way to collect not only some of the finest art ever created but to infuse music into your collection as well. Instruments are fascinating and beautiful bits of artwork in themselves, but they represent our history of music which is so important to the development of us as a culture and a people. Woodwind instruments date back farther than most people realize, with one type of instruments believed to date back 30,000 years and a recent find in Slovenia of a hollowed out bear-bone “flute” believed to date back 45,000 years.
Woodwind instruments are unique collectibles in that they’re not just there to look at, but they make sound, and they make a different quality of sound for each person. While the notes vary, of course, a personality can easily come through in the sound of the music played.
Whether you choose new, used or vintage instruments is a matter of personal choice. New woodwind instruments are direct from the manufacturer, are covered by a warranty and are in perfect condition. Used instruments are currently in production and not really considered collectibles, with much less value than a new or vintage items. New and used instruments are generally purchased by those who wish to learn to play or as a replacement instrument. Vintage woodwinds are no longer manufactured and are sought after by collectors.
Woodwind instruments differ from brass instruments because they use one or two reeds. A reed is a small piece of wood that vibrates to produce the instrument’s sound. Saxophones and clarinets use one reed, for instance, while an oboe and a bassoon use two reeds. In each of these instruments the reed is attached to the mouthpiece which goes in the player’s mouth. Flutes are also woodwind instruments, even though there’s no reed or mouthpiece similar to the other woodwinds. Original woodwinds were actually made of wood, but are now typically made of metal or plastics.
Woodwind instruments do require more care than many other types of collectibles. The outside should be cleaned carefully with a soft cloth, and depending on the material of the instrument, polishing may be necessary. If you play the instrument, the inside should be cleaned after each session by pulling a soft cloth through the barrel or by using a special cleaning brush designed for woodwinds.
When purchasing vintage woodwind instruments, it’s best if you can examine the instrument in person or you have a guarantee about the instruments condition, in the case of an online auction, and can examine it after arrival and return it if it doesn’t meet the terms of the agreement or your expectations. Besides age of the instrument, find out if the instrument has ever been damaged and repaired. Also, woodwinds use cork and padding in various spots that do deteriorate rapidly with age and use (and lack of use). When were those replaced, if ever? Also, don’t forget to ask who owned it before you, you might be surprised.
Originally posted 2008-10-12 05:00:44. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 12th, 2009 — Collectibles, Decorative Arts, Decorative Collectibles, Thomas Kinkade
Thomas Kinkade is a living, American artist whose work is so popular today that many people have no idea they even have Thomas Kinkade artwork in their homes in some form or another. There seems to be no middle ground when it comes his art. People either dismiss it as throwaway art, no more skillful than a paint by numbers, they revile it for the commercialism that has made it so popular, or they cherish the homespun and idyllic scenes, the soft, pastel colors, and the light glow inherent in the paintings.
Unlike any other artist in history, Thomas Kinkade has taken an active hand in marketing his creations to the world. He has sold prints of his artwork on television, through the QVC home shopping network. He’s even trademarked the phrases “Painter of Light” and “America’s most collected living artist.”
A Thomas Kinkade painting is recognizable by the subject matter. The images are distinctly American, with some of them even coming from his hometown. Nature is often depicted in gardens, running water like streams, street, stone cottages and other settings. His paintings are simple scenes with no hidden messages or subliminal symbolism, and much of mainstream America appreciates these images of home and country, while others criticize their simplicity and straightforward style, claiming its not true art.
Often, a Thomas Kinkade painting will contain images of his daughters, or their names. And the letter ‘n’ is often emphasized in tribute to his wife. Churches and other symbols of the Christian faith are often depicted in his paintings, as he’s a devout believer who says he wants to use his artwork to touch people of all faiths. These religious paintings have made Kinkade popular among the American religious community.
Thomas Kinkade has earned millions through his artwork, thanks to unashamed promotion of it. He’s often asked to help commemorate milestones like an anniversary at Disney, and he has helped the efforts of many non-profit organizations like The Salvation Army and The Make-A-Wish Foundation. While many criticize him for his commercialism, others argue that artwork that isn’t viewed and appreciated is pointless, and at least he’s brought art to the mainstream.
Because of his efforts to popularize his artwork, a Thomas Kinkade print is one of the most easily accessible pieces of art that exists today. Original paintings cost in the thousands, but prints are affordable, helping to make him commercially popular. They can be purchased online, in auctions like eBay, and in shops that specialize in artist prints.
If you’re looking for an original painting, buy it from a respected art dealer to prevent being sold a forgery. If the price is only a few hundred dollars, chances are it’s not a true Thomas Kinkade. Other items featuring his art range from things like calendars to collector tins, so if you’re a fan you can enjoy his art in just about any form you can imagine. You can also purchase a variety of items directly from the artist’s website.
Originally posted 2008-11-11 06:19:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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