This Sunday, I did a little digging. Probably not the kind of digging you’re thinking of. I visited a local shop, On&On, that specializes in vintage, repurposed, and handmade items and spent hours looking through just about everything they had to offer. I absolutely fell in love with the store itself, as it is a huge building filled to the brim with piles of “stuff” — but stuff that is so artfully arranged that you feel like you are uncovering treasures in someone’s actual living space.
Even though I found about 101 pieces I could’ve taken home with me, I settled on two vintage books (another one of my weaknesses) that were art related. Surprised? Me neither.
Vintage and antique shops really hold a special place in my heart, because I am almost TOO curious about the history behind each and every piece that catches my eye. Who were the original owners? Why did someone buy this? Who made it? How was it made? When did they wear this? The list goes on. This way of thinking may make for some long shopping trips, but it is helpful in a setting like an art history class. It is always important to consider the history behind a piece, whether it is an Old Master painting or an old perfume bottle, and the context in which it was created and used: this is how value is added and meaning is deepened.
Featured Image: Jill Sibio, 2018
