We were not art collectors before our cruise on the Crown Princess. In fact, our very presence at the auction we attended was as abstract as Picasso. We were reading over the activities aboard the ship and I commented to Mr. Cozi, “You know, I’ve never been to an auction. Don’t you think an art auction would be fun?” I fully expected him to take my temperature. But, instead he agreed to try it out.
I certainly didn’t think we would bid on anything, but when we entered the Explorer Lounge where the auction was held, registration was quick and painless. We received our number – 119 – and it was explained that we could pre-bid on items that would be added to the auction block. The auction is administered by Park West Gallery out of Southfield, MI and Sean was our auctioneer.
It didn’t take us long to fall in love with our first piece. The vibrant colors and Van Gogh like strokes of the artist, Duaiv, caught our eye. Next thing we know it is on the block and we are holding up our number. That was only the beginning.
Our Duaiv is the painting on the bottom in the above picture. Over the course of 3 auctions, we purchased 12 pieces of art that will be shipped over the next 10 weeks. They were each signed, limited edition or original paintings. I would say that we are now art collectors.
Park West Gallery holds auctions on several cruise lines and has an excellent reputation for finding the next great artist. Duaiv, the American French artist has been around for over 40 years, and has even painted a Porsche, (the actual car not a Porsche on a canvas), but the prints in the picture above are by a relatively new artist from Jerusalem. David Najar loves nature and says that the “modern world is so busy that everyone should slow down. You don’t need to travel far to see something worthwhile.” We found something worthwhile in 3 of his paintings. I can’t wait to open my door to Federal Express!
If an art auction is offered on your next cruise, check it out. You won’t have to travel far to find something beautiful.