Sunday, February 22, 2009

Project: Simplify

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." --Lao-tzu (604 BC - 531 BC), The Way of Lao-tzu

Every year in January, I come up with a few long-term projects like updating my address book. This morning I woke up with an idea. To inventory props, take photographs, then paste them in a spiral, looseleaf notebook, or on large file cards (so items could be found in categories). For some reason, a book makes more sense to me than saving on a computer, disk or external hard drive. I may rethink this approach. No matter what method is used, having a plan (and sticking to it) is crucial.

My son is not interested in antiques. A dilemma: what to do with family pieces and other "stuff?" Today I will check with my daughter. If she is not interested, then it is time to sell. How weird...I love old things and am fascinated with the history (ownership) of each piece. The old adage "never assume anything" is true. I "assumed" my kids would love old things because I do. WRONG!

Time to begin the journey...sort, sell and give away.

Today: Take pictures of things and paste in journal (or on file cards), i.e old millifiore "end of the day" paper weight. Begin sorting items by category on dining room table. Next make box labels and pack up pieces with any information about each piece. After packing away excess, sell.



Antique Millifiore "End of Day" Paperweight (Concave Bottom)

Purchased as antique in 1975

(approximate purchase date)








Contemporary "End of Day" Paperweight (Flat Bottom)

Purchased in 2009









Contemporary "Little Worlds" Paperweight

(Flat Bottom/Signed)

Purchased in 1989



Wow, what I think is new, now is twenty years old! Now that is scary. :-)

5 comments:

sunflowerkat said...

Interesting that you mention a hard copy inventory, I was just thinking about a hard copy inventory of ideas/inspiration for photography and for fiber art. I think I'd refer to it more than the stash of computer files I have.

I also have a lot of family pieces/antiques that are precious to me. I can't imagine that my children won't want them...but I guess they might not. My grandmother would write everything she knew about her pieces...where they were purchased and for what amount, their condition and any work that was done to them, previous owners, etc....on a little card and tuck them somewhere on/in the piece. I just found one in a clock that recently came from moms. It's like having her here telling me the story. Those notes will still be there waiting for my children, or my grandchildren. I hope they mean as much to them as they do to me.

Eaglesbrother said...

Wonderful photographs of some of the Antiques..I sure am hoping I am NOT one of the antiques you are thinking of packing up and getting rid of..lol

Light and Voices said...

I simply go "ga-ga" over the last paperweight photograph. What do I like about it? The bubbles, and then empty spaces....mysterious shapes at bottom. Unbelievable shot!
Joyce

Rebecca Anne said...

I have a hard time leaving all things to a computer. So, I double up, a lot of things. Computer and what I call tangable hard copy. Notebooks included~
I wonder what my daughters will want of mine.....someday I'll find out I suppose.
Rebecca

DB said...

It is scary to find out how old things are, especially memories.

DB