| Woman carries on
husband's interests
Ephron will introduce
Vilella at a reception showcasing his most recent works tonight at the
Timmons Gallery in Rancho Santa Fe.
“I like collecting
modern art because it comes from the soul and the intellect,” Ephron
said. “I think Joseph's work is sensational – I've never seen such
color on canvas.”
Ephron said she learned to
appreciate visual and performing arts from her husband, Eugene, whom she
married in 1978. Her husband, a physician who was a keen art collector and
music lover, died two years ago.
She has carried on his
interests, placing in the ranks of private collectors who are capable of
launching a career and raising the consciousness of the art community.
Where:
Timmons Gallery, 16089 San Dieguito Road, Rancho Santa Fe
When:
Public show 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow. Reception with
reservation, 7 to 10 tonight
Information:
(858) 756-8488
“Eugene was born in New
York into a life of privilege, and he had an inherent eye for greatness.
He bought works without thinking about art as an investment. Jasper Johns,
Frank Stella, David Hockney
and Roy Lichtenstein – they all have emerged as some of the most
collectible artists today. I became like a sponge, and after all those
years I became confident in my own ability.”
The value of art has
appreciated so much that many collectors who purchased a painting early in
an artist's career have a treasure that they would no longer be able to
afford.
One turning point in the
market came three years ago when a Picasso, “Boy With a Pipe,” was
sold to an anonymous bidder for a record-breaking $104 million at a
Sotheby's auction.
San Diego Museum of Art
director Derrick Cartwright said collectors have more influence today than
they have had at any point in recent history.
“Art is so hot and so
inflated that very few museums can participate in auctions or buy from
galleries,” Cartwright said. “Private collectors can bid quickly and
they don't have to go through committees, so they have an advantage when
it comes to buying the best works.”
Vilella's sculpture "Avant-Garde." “We have the collection
we do because of incredibly generous collectors,” Cartwright said.
“People like Earle Grant
and Barbara and Norton Walbridge gave hugely valued works that we could
never afford to buy today. We couldn't re-create the collection they
helped to form.”
Although many museums
can't compete with an aggressive and affluent collector, they can support
those in the community who seek and support great works.
“Two years ago, we had a
show that focused solely on the works of collectors to reacquaint
ourselves with those who are collecting art in the community,”
Cartwright said.
“Most people will never
get to see the homes where this work is on display. But a good museum will
help and advise collectors. Everyone I've had a conversation with has been
willing to share work for an important exhibition.”
Vilella's paintings are
included in the prestigious collections of a small but growing group of
affluent fans, including Louran Fleet, who will host tonight's reception.
Three new works from Vilella's “Inspiration Series” will be unveiled.
The show will also be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow. “I think art collectors
become successful by establishing credibility,” said Ephron, who
collects what she “likes to look at.”
“The collection must
grow in value, and the artists have to be sought-after. If you say
publicly, 'I believe this artist is great,' it's kind of like the Oprah
Winfrey book club. When you endorse that person, they get a leg up on the
ladder to success.”
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Joe Vilella Contacts: Agent: Betty Heilig
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Marcia Manna covers North County community news, arts and entertainment
for the Union-Tribune.