Join us for How it Started and How it’s Going, a speaker series with collectors. We’ll dive into their collections and learn about how they got started and why; we’ll hear what attracts them to certain pieces and see some of their favorite works. We will also discuss what makes someone a collector of art and how to start your own collection. Our next talk features collector and ER physician Randy Pi.
Randy Pi: I’m an ER physician by night and a world traveler, music lover, and, as my friends say, patron of the arts by day. I am so uplifted by incredible sights and sounds on my global jaunts. Human artistic and architectural achievements as well as scenes of natural grandeur fill me with awe and humility. They inspire me to stay motivated and resilient in my demanding line of work. The tallest tree in the world is right here in my home state of California. The widest tree in the world is located in not-too-far Oaxaca, Mexico where local artisans produce some of the world’s most exquisite woodworks. I can’t bring any giant trees home. I can’t bring any timber-constructed ancient castles from around the world home. But I can bring music from different cultures home. And by golly I can bring contemporary sculptures, turned wood art and designs, studio furniture, and traditional crafts home. Living with wood art is a continuous source of joy and inspiration.
When one thinks of music and wood, the violin comes to mind. But for the home, there is another important connection, namely the stereo speakers. The illusion of live music playing at home can only be created by stereo speakers of sufficient size and volume. The vast majority of these speakers are wood constructions. And so at the confluence of engineering, design, and ethereal music lie the first wood sculptures at my home—stereo speakers. Looking back, that’s where the story of my wood collection began. Hope you’ll join me as this story unfolds. It shall be one filled with lyrical and creative souls I’ve met along the way.Don’t miss this special glimpse into a collection!
This event is free to the public. The Center for Art in Wood interprets, nurtures, and champions creative engagement and expansion of art, craft, and design in wood to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of it. A suggested donation of $5 per person enables us to provide programs and exhibitions throughout the year.
Questions? Please contact Katie Sorenson, Director of Outreach and Communications at [email protected].