Camera Bear Collage

"Camera Bear"
2024
(Collage)
Acrylic paint, prints, paper mache, & gems
12" x 12"

In addition to collecting things, I also regularly destash. I know the dangers of hoarding all too well. On one of my trips to a bin that takes old shoes and clothing, nearby... right here in beautiful Lancaster, PA... there was this darling rubbery bear laying on the ground. He lay there right next to the bin, didn't quite make it in the slot. The bear was carefully holding a red camera. As usual, at first glance, I couldn't tell if this little guy was trash or treasure. I had to take him just in case, for he wouldn't survive the night on that parking lot asphalt. Who knows what might have become of him, if I had let him there. I quickly discovered that in fact he is treasure, and such a mysterious bear... I imagine he was a toy at bath time, outgrown and cast aside. Once apart of some ragtag crew of bears or other whimsical animals. Camera Bear is a perfect addition to my ordinary artifact collection, and of course, obviously haunted.