People all over the world like to collect different objects such as baseball cards, photographs, stamps, teddy bears, postcards, coins, matchboxes, bikes, teacups, cars, etc… Many people start their collection as children and either get tired of it or pass the tradition to family members.
However, on my travels to the island of Puerto Rico this past spring I met a gentleman called Ulises Perez Echevarria who started collecting bikes 27 years ago and hot wheels about 16 years ago and even has and beautiful classic pickup truck. And I started thinking that collecting things is some type of art. But I also questioned myself as to why people start collecting things, to begin with?
They say that research suggests that people collect things because they feel an emotional connection to them. However, I think it could be for various reasons such as pleasure, profit, prestige, as a conversation starter, and for some, I think it’s plain old nostalgia that connects you back to your child’s innocent days. Have you ever spoken to a collector that collects just because they like to? They always light up when you ask them questions about their collections, and they also want to share the whole story with you. My sister collects teacups and that is her pride.
Whether collecting is an art, a business, or a hobby, all I know it makes people happy and if it does that then it’s totally worth it to collect what you love. Share with us any collection you may have and send us a picture.
Fun Fact:
I read somewhere that Jay Leno’s has a famous collection of vintage cars, valued at over $50 million, contains 120 cars and 93 motorcycles. Also, Lisa Courtney of the United Kingdom holds the largest collection of Pokémon memorabilia at 17,127 items.
Rosa Julia Parra
CEO, Palo Magazine