September 21, 2006

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

What is the most ostentatious (expensive but not necessary) piece of artwork you’ve ever bought? Are you glad you bought it?
(Asked the Almaden Art and Wine Festival)

“I [recently] bought a big oil painting for my mother-in-law. It’s a picture of the Red Hat Ladies, and I’m excited to give it to her. Yes, I am glad I bought it.”

Joyce Voelker, 54
Almaden
Remodeling own home


“I bought an expensive picture of trout at the Tapestry & Talent in San Jose. Of course I’m still glad I bought it, but my wife isn’t. It’s hanging in my office.”

Patrick Dudum, 41
Almaden
Mortgage business


“I bought a piece of expensive art in Napa Valley because it had a picture of vineyards that reflected our interest in wine. I am absolutely glad I bought it. It has a special place over the fireplace with its own little light. It’s beautifully framed.”

Bonnie Emerson, 48
Almaden
Dentist at Emerson Dental Care


“I don’t have anything yet, but I’m definitely thinking about it. I do need some art. The reason I haven’t bought anything yet is that up to now I have had other priorities in my life and I didn’t have the taste. My friend is educating me. I found a picture that I really like and might buy today!”

Frank David, 46
Cambrian Park
Human resources for the water district


“I bought an original oil that was at least $500. My husband is glad we bought it, but I’m not. My clients like it—it’s hanging in my office. It’s black and white and grey. I love color and abstract art, my husband is into modern art and photography."

Pam Jepson, 38
Almaden
Insurance agent


“Yes, I bought a painting of a little girl at a tea party and the little girl looks exactly like my sister. I can’t remember how much I paid for it, but I had no money at the time and it was an awful lot for me. When I was in Macedonia, I bought a [porcelain] tea set that you can’t use; it’s very ornate. I set it out on the holidays. It was totally frivolous. I got to meet the artist and she talked with me about how she crafts things for home and families. Yes, I love both things and I plan to pass them on [as heirlooms] to my family.”

Cindy Chavez, 42
San Jose
Vice mayor


“Yes, I’m glad I bought it and it’s still on the wall. I frame everything myself, I never buy anything framed because the frames are too expensive. Nothing’s ever necessary!”

Rick DeFiglio, 51
Almaden
Restaurant/food service


"Yes, we have a bronze golf statue in our foyer of a grandfather and a small child in golf knickers. Yes, I’m absolutely glad we bought it.”

Linda Lutz, 62
Almaden
Part-time secretary at Holy Cross Church


"About 20 years ago, I purchased a $250 photo of Ronnie Lott and Roger Craig for my husband. We were newly married and it cost half our rent. It’s still hanging in the family room. It shows the two of them dressed in 49er gear and looking in a mirror to see their reflections in Raider gear. I’m really glad I bought it, and I would still buy it because they only made 100 and we have number 60."

Nancy Rodriguez, 44
Almaden
Human resources for the water district


“I have a painting I bought years ago, and it’s still hanging in the living room. We’ve changed the frame three times. I’m absolutely glad we bought it; it made me [feel like] I could walk right into the painting.”

Nancy Pyle, 68
Almaden
District 10 city councilwoman