Collecting Vintage – An Interview with Wonderdiva 5

We enjoying talking to people who collect vintage treasures.  In this interview, we find out more about Jeanne, the owner of the vintage shop Wonderdiva on Etsy.

Why and when did you start collecting?

I’ve always loved vintage, but my mother did not share that sentiment!  So my collecting began as soon as I got out of college and had a place of my own, although I didn’t have a lot of money to spend.  I started out collecting little Wade figurines, because they are small, charming and affordable.

Who or what was your influence for collecting?

I can’t really point to any one thing or person — as I say in my shop profile, I have very divergent tastes, but it all makes sense to me.  My influences came from things as diverse as watching old Hollywood movies as a little girl, to visiting the western U.S. and admiring the work of Native American artisans, to looking at the beautiful, yet humble farmhouse furnishings in my grandmother’s home.   There’s always something new to discover and appreciate, so I’m constantly finding new influences.

What is one of your favorite pieces and why?

I have a sweet black-and-white lithograph in the original frame that belonged to my grandmother — it was printed by Gutmann and Gutmann and is a variation on the Bessie Pease Gutmann illustration called “In Disgrace.”   Its value may not be that great because it is old and age-tanned, but in addition to its sentimental value, it a wonderful example of something that is perfectly imperfect.  I wouldn’t change a thing about it — and since my grandma loved both children and puppies, and they instantly liked her, there is no better way to remember her.

What tips can you give us about collecting?

Collecting is a fantastic process – it should first and foremost be fun.  It’s a way to pursue your passions.  Don’t worry about what is trendy, find something that speaks to you, something that you love, and start looking around.  And if you don’t find what you were looking for right away, I will almost guarantee that you’ll find something else that intrigues you.

What would be your “holy grail” piece and why?

A first edition book illustrated by one of the artists from the Golden Age of Illustration would be a holy grail find for me.  The artwork from that era is magical, and I could look at it for hours.  It’s tough to pick which illustrator I would most like to find in a first edition format, so I’ll mention my favorites:  Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, Kate Greenaway, N.C. Wyeth, Kay Nielsen and Aubrey Beardsley.

Where do you look for new items to add to your shop/collection?

There are always a lot of estate sales and tag sales in the city where I live, and that’s typically where I find new items. I also track down books online for my personal collection, or if I’m helping out someone who is searching for a specific title.

How has collecting changed or affected your life?

My life is much more interesting because of collecting.  It’s a wonderful change of pace from my workaday world, but it’s also taught me lessons that can be applied in my day-to day life.   I’ve learned to appreciate many new things, and to be patient and to look at things very closely.  Sometimes the most wonderful discoveries are very quietly and humbly tucked in a corner.

Where can we find you? 

Etsy Shop – Wonderdiva

Twitter – https://twitter.com/wonderdivaEtsy

Pinterest – wonderdiva on Etsy

Facebook – https://facebook.com/wonderdivaEtsy