Jeanne Beker strips her walls for the AGO
Toronto Star
Jeanne Beker
November 30, 2011
https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/jeanne-beker-strips-her-walls-for-the-ago/article_331fa3ad-b71e-51bf-9096-1ca3c41c9a1a.html
The Art Gallery of Ontario Collector's Series provides an insider's look at the personal treasures of notable Canadians. Launched last year with an exhibit of works collected by Kevin Hearn of the Barenaked Ladies, the second annual series exhibit opened this week with a peek into the private art collection of Fashion Television host and Toronto Star contributing editor Jeanne Beker.
My walls have been talking to me lately in an especially loud way. And it's not because of what's on them: it's because of what's not.
You see, the Art Gallery of Ontario sent a big truck to my home the other day and stripped my walls of about 75 per cent of my artwork for a show that's being staged over the next couple of weeks for the AGO's second annual "Collector's Series" at its Art Rental and Sales Gallery.
Besides being asked to recommend a handful of the AGO's works that are up for sale or rental, I was asked if I'd be interested in showing off some of the eclectic pieces I've collected over the past 30 years. I was intrigued by the prospect of sharing what's become such an integral part of my reality. From paintings to photographs and sculpture, my collection serves as a constant reminder of where I've been, both in terms of geographical locations, and psychological frames of mind — a kind of grand visual diary of my travels, my passions, my extravagances, my hopes, my dreams, and my evolving esthetic.
Now that my walls are bare, I'm feeling displaced and remembering just how much my artwork anchors me.
While I've certainly collected my share of fabulous imagery over the past three decades, I never really thought of myself as a serious "collector." That title, in my mind, was reserved for those who sought out important works, buying them with investment returns in mind. I simply have a penchant for creativity, and have been lucky enough to meet and befriend an exquisite mix of artists the world over.
My very first piece of art was a gift from former figure skater Toller Cranston, himself a painter and collector, who I became fast friends with in 1979. I'd just left a relationship and had moved into my own cool garret apartment, so Toller felt it was high time I started collecting. One his closest pals was Marion Perlet, a German-born artist he'd shared a studio with. Marion was subsidizing her income by tending bar and she was having a small show at Toronto's Alliance Francaise. I accompanied Toller to the opening, where he generously plunked down $300 and bought me one of Marion's delightful works, a watercolour of a woman whose gentle face somehow soothed me.
"Buy Canadian," he told me. "The prices are more reasonable. And besides, we should be supporting our own."
Toller also advised me to only buy pieces that spoke to me. It should never be about making an investment, but rather, beautifying my world. I remember the ride home from the gallery that night, clutching the brown paper package: the fact that I now actually owned a real piece of art made me feel worldly and sophisticated. My life seemed instantly enriched and I knew this was just the first of many original pieces I was determined to own.
Marion Perlet's success escalated as her canvases became larger and as my own salary grew (with no dependants back in the good old early '80s), I decided I'd spend as much of my hard-earned money as possible collecting Marion's art. Her first huge canvas I acquired was called Night Rider. It features a woman, naked except for a pair of red boots, on a rocking horse. I bought that provocative painting in the early '80s and it hangs over my bed today. I paid $1,500 for it at the time and, according to Marion, who now resides in San Miguel d'Allende, Mexico, it's now worth about $30,000. But it was never about making wise investments: I was just determined to buy art that I loved.
Marrying a man in 1986 who shared my passion for art brought special joys: it was exhilarating to be able to choose pieces together, and hang them in our happy home. Our daughters shared in our enthusiasm, always appreciating the fantastic images that became such an important part of our lives. We didn't have much to spend, so I always kept my eyes open for affordable pieces. We found some great bargains at charity art auctions. Knowing that the money spent on these pieces was going to support worthwhile causes was a win/win situation, and some of the art I've acquired that way is all the more precious to me.
When my marriage broke up in the late '90s, I was devastated on many levels. Things would never be the same in my house. But I was determined to try to continue filling my home with a wide array of artwork that would soothe, excite, intrigue and inspire my girls and myself. Evidently, the pieces I've collected over the years have served us well. Both my daughters have grown up to be wonderful artists themselves. And I suspect their home environment played a role in the way they see the world today. To be able to share my collection with art enthusiasts these next couple of weeks is thrilling. But I have to admit that already, I'm missing the art I live with and can't wait to have it all back where it belongs.
Five of Jeanne Beker's Favourite Pieces:
Ryan Van Der Hout Photograph
This mega-sized 40-by-72-inch photograph hangs in my front hall. Van Der Hout was a student in 2007 when he created this dramatic experimental work. I was lucky enough to buy it at a charity photography auction to benefit AIDS research. I can't remember exactly how much I paid for it, but I think it was around $1,200.
Jeanne Beker's private art collection was on display at the AGO's Art Rental & Sales Gallery, 481 University Ave., until December 16, 2011.