Or: It was fun while it lasted.

The times of the “Upcoming Collector” are coming to an end. Of this here upcoming collector, at least. One year of collecting, a collection consisting of seventeen artworks by artists from Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Canada, the UK and the US … it’s time to drop the absolute beginner’s status and move on.

Don’t worry, I’ll not be gone for long. I’ll be back with the aforementioned “challenge”.

Time to say thank you to everyone who supported me by sharing their knowledge and insider experience, by padding me on the back, by buying me drinks, by selling me work, by questioning my motivation, by pointing me in some interesting directions, by letting me sleep in their living rooms, by sharing coffee with me, by getting me drunk in hotel bars, by listening to my ramblings, by reading my blog, by commenting on my entries, by baring with my irratic writing behaviour, by inviting me for breakfast, by picking up art from customs for me, by hanging their work in my flat personally, by making my ears bleed, by introducing me to artists, by lending me money, by not taking me too seriously, by urging me onwards, by letting me do this and finally by preserving this whole first year for eternity.

You all know who you are.

Cheers!
Tommi

Or: The game is on.

Christian Schwarm (one of the founders of Independent Collectors) and me just decided on a challenge. We are currently negotiating the parameters and I will post them here as soon as we’re done.

I can tell you as much: I will need your help, people! Christian’s network and contacts are much wider spread than mine, so I will have to rely on the virtual network and my readers to support me. I’m counting on you, folks, don’t let me down!

The challenge will start around the first birthday of Independent Collectors (June 4th, 2009) and will probably end on the second birthday one year later.

The challenge will also mark my end as an “upcoming collector” and will introduce the progression into something beyond that (I wonder, what could that be?).

I will keep you updated, please check back!