My previous records of individual salvaged sales were $3,200 cash and $2,600 cash.
This one could be a decent bit more!
I was trying to ease back into my curb-recycling walks, but that changed when I found this 57" x 36" steel behemoth of an art piece at around 5 AM.
Change of plans!
It was a slow night before then, but I persevered until I hit payday. That's usually how I roll.
I'm not sure how much it weighs, but it was heavy and not easy to carry with decent wind gusts. It was rusty on the edges by design, and the back side is covered in razor sharp rusty nails and screws. I had to carry it very carefully and awkwardly. Fun!
Here's the back, with the artist's name and title covered for privacy. It's from 1985.
I usually find art outside, but it's never of this caliber. Thankfully I was able to read the signature on the back clearly and found the artist with ease. He's in museums and galleries, has installations at famous buildings, etc..
The best part was that his 40 years of making art like this are rooted in promoting environmental awareness. He recycles materials, paints them, and welds/merges them into larger pieces of art.
The second best part is that his works are listed for $5,000-$20,000+ at online art galleries. Art often appreciates, right?
Since this is older and not as common as recent themes, I'm wondering if it'll help the price or hurt it. What do you think? Early artist works may have a premium, or maybe they're not as popular as more refined works after years of honing their craft.
Thankfully, I was able to find the artist's contact information and email him with the situation.
Here was my email, removing some identifiable info:
"Hi xxxxxxx,
RE: xxxxxxxxxx, 1985.
Given our mutual concern with the environment, I think that you'll find my message interesting.
I quit my corporate job 5 years ago to resell second-hand items on my own. I've spent the majority of those years salvaging valuable items put out in the curb-side recycling on xxxxxxx's curbs. The pride and satisfaction is worth every pound and penny I get from it. I've found virtually everything imaginable, saving thousands of items and pounds to sell, donate and/or keep myself. I have endless stories of thrilled customers who have kept these items alive. I've also saved and reused an unthinkable amount of recycled shipping material. Every trip outside where I live is an adventure with my eyes peeled in a way most aren't.
The reason I'm reaching out is because I found one of your works overnight on the curb about 2 hours before a truck would've picked it up and crushed it. I wanted to share some details about this piece in the event you recall it. I'm glad that it's saved, as it's fairly heavy, and can now live on with a more appreciative owner.
If you'd like to see it, I can send pictures if you share an email address. In the meantime, it's 57" x 36", from 1985, and titled "xxxxxxx" (I think). It has lots of screws and what look like saw cuts throughout. It also has some 3-dimensional features. The main colors are blue, green, yellow, red and black. Ring a bell?
I was wondering if you might have any thoughts on this, the piece, and perhaps a rough valuation. I really have no clue what this could be worth as it's very different from the more recent works I find listed online.
Do you remember it?
Best regards,
Matt"
He wrote back today!!
He asked for pictures since I wasn't able to attach them to my first message. He said he was happy to help. I sent them over and am waiting for a reply. How cool is that?
Will he be able to help me value or sell this? Will he want it? He has tons of customers and relationships, so maybe he'll give me an inside track given the nature of how I saved his art from being destroyed. No expectations though. I mainly wanted him to know what I did and that his work is in good hands now. That part is done.
Even if it's not a monster find, I'm sure I can get plenty for a free find like this since finer art has deep pockets. Pending his feedback, I'll try my best to maximize the return. It's rare and potentially one of a kind. He's also well-known, so his works are in demand.
Stay tuned for more...
As always, proof of the find through a ziploc bag:
My recent back-to-business recycling post with 24 saved items sold.
Thanks,
Matt