The act of collecting is unanimous across humanity, spanning different continents and
timeframes. We see people building collections every day, from books, to bottle caps, to
Pokemon cards. It can be a one-off task or span a lifetime. We are often drawn to the the
memories connected to an object’s origin, which can be comforting through association. The
collection of objects is often ritualistic and can connect different people, timeframes or places.
Non-human beings collect too – Sea otters keep a favourite rock under their forearms for opening
shellfish, as do magpies for their food. Penguins collect and gift their favourite pebble to
potential partners with the hope of impressing them, the act of collection is around us all the
time linking us to our environment and one another.
During my time at Art4Space, I have consistently observed people’s relationships with the act of
collecting. It has been interesting to explore the various functions that collecting can serve. We
watch collections every day here, with children and adults showing, sharing or questioning how
they can grow or use their collections to make something. Our mosaic mandalas are made from
collected small toys, buttons and beads, with people regularly stating it would be lovely to put
their collections on display and to good use. We also have Picassiette – a way to use collected
(and potentially broken) plates, and highlight what’s found. Our volunteers and participants bring
in items they’ve saved from home, wanting to integrate them into their own, or others’ work.
During my interview for the internship, Julie (the Founder and CEO of Art4Space) shared a
story about herself in Brighton; One day, while feeling particularly busy with her thoughts, Julie
went for a walk on the beach. She started picking up stones, filling up her bag and continuing to
walk. The weight that grew in her bag felt like a metaphor for the weight of emotions she was
feeling at the time, this weight was then released through the strenuous, challenging and
awkward task of carrying the stones. The ritualistic nature of collecting can be a meditative
practice, helping us process complex feelings and find comfort in the familiarity of routine. It can
offer a distraction, and the potential to feel a bit better.
The collections we amass also serve as bridges to the past, preserving moments and memories
that we can revisit and share with others. At my Dad’s home, we have a large glass jar filled with
sea glass that has been collected and added too on each family holiday. My sister has labelled
each piece so that we know which year and where the glass was collected. It is a testament to
our shared memories and the anticipation of future adventures. These personal archives enrich
our lives, providing a sense of belonging through totems to our shared histories.
In embracing the act of collecting, we not only honour our innate desire to gather and preserve,
but to also create opportunities for connection, creativity, and healing. By sharing our collections
and the stories behind them, we weave a richer tapestry of communal and personal narratives.
Fostering deeper bonds and a greater appreciation for the diverse ways in which we experience
the world.