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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.
