Linda Karp is an energetic woman in her early 80s, born in the United States, who has lived in Progreso, Yucatán since 2011. She walks her nine dogs, before sunrise every morning and every night. I met her at an art event in Mérida, where she was watching artworks and probably buying.
Her house is a gallery in itself – full of the work of Mexican artists she supports and promotes, as well as her own works, which are mostly sculptural, built from objects she finds on the beach. A born writer and editor, Linda loves to add her touch to various works of art, and she loves to edit written works.
When did you start collecting art?
I’m a visual foodie! I love color, texture, form, and the creative spirit that exists in all good art. My father was a painter and my mother a weaver. Our house was filled with art, books, music. I’ve always loved the look and feel of things – stones, trees, sky, glass, furniture, paintings, sculpture. So I’ve always been a collector.
How was your experience with art while living in New York City?
I took some classes at the Art Students’ League in NYC, and I painted with my own easel as a child. My family loved museums, so we were frequent visitors to the Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum, The Whitney, and MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art). As kids, we took classes at MOMA. As an adult, I bought memberships at The Studio Museum in Harlem, MOMA, and the New York Folk Art Museum. I wasn’t a gallery-goer, though.
How do you choose the pieces you’ll take home?
I buy pieces that move and excite me. I don’t worry about color or style or how they’ll work together. I’ve bought what I’ve fallen in love with. It all works in the way that flowers of all colors work in a garden. Art is food for my soul. I can’t imagine living without it!
Can you describe to us how it feels to observe, buy and collect art?
As a person who is very visually aware of and responsive to how things look, I am also lucky enough to be able to buy art and objects I love.
