Curating the past

My last blog focused on moving, editing, and the ability to detach from possessions. Comments came from two camps - those who cannot easily let go of objects and those who hate clutter.

We who collect differentiate ourselves from actual hoarders.  Come on there’s no rotting food; hallways and walls are not stacked with decaying stuffed animals.  Our domiciles are clean.  We just physically have too many things that are stored and or displayed.

Everyone does this to a degree but for many it has become a life calling, consciously or unconsciously. We all collect - just differently. A vase, a shell whatever the object, my theory is that it acts a portal from which the person or story travels from the past to the present.  And we become the keepers of the memory flame for whatever reason.

Our odd group can be labeled as curators of memories.  Letting go of the thing is to let go of the person, the story and the past. This responsibility, this role takes up an enormous amount of emotional and corporal space.

My solution for my eccentric tribe is to accept the title of museum director.  Understand that museums have limited space so create an area large or small that can be designated for an exhibit. Create displays, digitize and rotate them. 

Whether it is a room, a cabinet or shelf start thinking in terms of time lines and themes - curate accordingly. The Family comes West, The Family escapes The War, curate with pictures and objects. As you put together the exhibit keep thinking museum, take pictures, record the history and create the catalog.

Now that you have pictures and words; perhaps you could consider sharing the collection (my euphuism for giving it away) with others. The catalog is in place; it follows a theme and or a time line, stories and explanations match each photographed item, you have a book or a it goes to the cloud. 

The portal remains open, the past stays alive, but physical and spiritual space have made room for YOU!