Collection
Collector Profile - Alicia Lund
Collector Profile
Alicia Lund
Alicia Lund started a blog over a decade ago as a creative outlet to document life after college living in San Francisco. Over the years, it has evolved and lead to various creative endeavors. Lund was the fashion editor for ELLE.com while living in New York, a women's wear buyer and most recently co-founded an e-pop-up shop, Wrel Living.
Q.
What is your earliest memory of art, and what led you to start collecting it?
A.
My Uncle Owen had a really special art collection. Even as a young girl I remember the bold and moody paintings on his walls vividly and appreciated the feeling they evoked as well as the wooden statues and sculptures in his mid-century modern home. As I've gotten older I've come to love that style of art the most.
My parents have also always exposed us to art––always going to museums and art galleries when traveling, and my sister is an artist and actually is now an art history professor. ;)
I've always collected pieces with meaning but began truly investing more in art when we bought our home. I've gone about it slowly, only wanting to fill our walls with pieces that I loved or held some kind of sentimental value.
Q.
What are some of the most meaningful pieces in your collection?
A.
I love these painted wooden masks that hang next to our front door. They were from my husband's grandparent's travels, along with our African masks which were from their travels as well.
Q.
What was the first work of art you fell in love with?
A.
The first work of art I truly fell in love with / had to have was by Colleen Herman. I would fill every wall in our home with her pieces, I love them so much! The colors and the feeling they evoke is really special. I also fell in love with Ethan Caflisch (I loved his figurative series of women) and Cheryl Humphreys works around the same time, both of whom I discovered on Tappan.
Alicia Lund says
“It feels really special and accessible to have an original piece in your home that brings you joy, sparks conversation, and tells a story.”
Q.
How has the sentimentality of your collection evolved over time?
A.
I first started hanging collected momentos in our home. Family heirlooms, masks from travels and pieces we were given. It wasn't until just the past couple of years that I've invested more in art. So I guess it's become less sentimental and more intuitive––I instantly know if I love a piece. I love discovering new artists and learning about their process, which plays a part in the story / sentimentality of it too.
Q.
What is the most recent piece of art you added to your collection and why?
A.
A collection of sketches by Ethan Caflisch. My husband gifted me one of his painted ladies for Christmas last year after I became obsessed. When I saw similar sketches of his on Tappan I just had to have them. I find them to be so playful and such gems!
Q.
Is there a particular type of art you collect?
A.
We have a real mix in our home––but I'm most drawn to abstract and minimal art styles.
Q.
What or who has influenced you as a collector?
A.
My close girlfriend, Katelyn Davis, who is an art advisor and in general just a wealth of art knowledge! She has influenced me the most over the past couple of years in thinking about how the art in your home tells a story as a cohesive collection. I typically just buy what I love, but I like her philosophy of art talking to each other in a room and making sure your collection feels cohesive. I also don't necessarily buy certain pieces for a particular spot, I just buy what I love knowing I'll find a spot or knowing I can swap it around to various places.
Q.
Who are some of your all-time favorite artists?
A.
Joan Mitchell, Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, Willem de Kooning
Q.
What inspires you to collect the work of emerging artists?
A.
I love supporting emerging artists! They're so talented, and it feels really special / accessible to have an original piece in your home that brings you joy, sparks conversation and tells a story.
Q.
For new collectors, do you have any advice you wish to impart; Do you have a collecting ethos or philosophy that you want to share?
A.
For me, it's honestly just intuitive––I am instantly drawn to pieces and artists and I think it shouldn't be so serious! Fill your home with works that make you feel something or bring you joy looking at them everyday!
Q.
How do you go about finding new pieces to expand your personal art collection?
A.
Exposing myself to new artists and galleries. Following my favorite artists, sites and galleries on Instagram so I know when they'll be showing their new works next. Browsing Tappan!! ;)
Q.
Where and when do you feel the most creative?
A.
In New York! Traveling. When I have free time to myself to let my mind wander (rarely these days with two little ones ha!)... when the light hits just right! Also my kids inspire me everyday with their pure wonder and "awe" of the most simple of everyday things and moments.
Q.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
A.
Everywhere––online, fashion, traveling, my girlfriends
Q.
Describe your collection in three words.
A.
Intuitive, Personal, Eclectic
Q.
Three people in the creative space who are inspiring you right now?
