Shopping like it's my job

apr22 - Slideshow

I've taken two solid weekends off from flea markets, but I have been far from idle. I've spent the last two weekends trudging through "Dirt Malls." I've adopted that term from my friend Jared from Artificial Marketplace, who will be set up next to me this weekend. It describes flea markets that aren't quite so upscale as the Brooklyn Flea.

Sometimes people don't understand how shopping is really work, so I'm going to try to explain it. You have to be ultra-optimistic to bother even getting out of bed at 5 on a Sunday, but be able to deal with a morning of disappointments. That's an exhausting little bit of mental gymnastics. It requires quite a bit of walking, schlepping back to the car, more walking, running, and sometimes pushing someone out of the way. Even out in the sticks, at the dirt malls, there are people who ask more for their crumby merchandise than experienced show dealers ask for their good stuff in New York City. It requires a degree of effort to refrain from freaking out at these people. Sometimes they insult you for not buying their product. I heard, "What, did she think it was going to be twenty five cents?" as I was walking away from a table last Sunday. You have my permission to freak out at any flea market dealer who ever speaks to you that way. I kept it together that morning though. Then I get home, unpack my car, and hit the shops two or 3 times during the week. I've unpacked about 10 car loads of stuff into my home in the past 3 weeks. I can't even walk in here. It's not like I have it that bad. I mean, my job is probably cooler than yours. But it's work.

So, about the stuff. I'm pleased to present the first piece by George Nakashima I've ever had. It's the top of the credenza. The bottom of the credenza goes for $3000, but I don't have that part. I have the top. It's considerably cheaper, and it has shelves. The country style table is nice. There are chairs for it, not photographed. You can buy them together or separate, because I'm not sure they match. There are a couple views of Jared's shop in the slide show. I'm pretty sure he's going to jam his whole shop into his van, so whatever you see in those pics will probably be at the Brooklyn Flea on Saturday. I LOVE the cameo slave bracelet. I have two others in pearl and green too! I've never seen costume slave bracelets. They're always those silver, biker things, which are also cool. Plenty of lamps, as always. A couple signed metal sculptures. And owls.

About the owls.... I'm done complaining about them. I'm giving in wholeheartedly. Owls ARE cool, and it's not just a weird trend. Here's what I think about the owl sitch.... You like them, and I can buy them everywhere I go. But why? Why do you like them, and why do I find them everywhere I look? Owl stuff was a huge trend in the 70's. They made enough owl merchandise to supply owl enthusiasts for the following 4 decades, at least. Now, my business is buying and selling, NOT new age philosophizing, but you'll have to forgive me just this once. Owls are a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Hmmm... it's the Information Age. Age of Aquarius, hmm? Are owls so attractive to us because they are some kind of spirit guide in this time of immediate answers, communication and nonsensical blogging? Get it? If not it's ok. I don't really get what I'm saying either. I just hope I don't regret buying that ceramic owl pitcher.