WHY ART COLLECTIBLES?

In many ways, human beings are like bower birds. We like to collect pretty things and use them to beautify our homes. This probably explains the perennial appeal of art collectibles. Not all collectibles have such aesthetic value.

Everyone is a collector but not everyone collects the same things. Not all collections have value either. As a young girl, I loved to collect seashells and interesting-looking pebbles. I still have many of my finds today, but I know they're not worth anything. But I keep them anyway because they remind me of happy days by the beach, and lazy vacations. My marine collectibles make me smile at the warmth of the memories they evoke.

Collectibles say something about their owners and their values. My parents-in-law, for instance, are crazy about golf so they like to collect golf-themed objects. My recently-departed father appreciated Chinese art, so that's what he collected. One of my brothers is a collectible plate die-hard, while one of my sisters likes miniatures. My mum collects money, but that's another story.

Collecting should develop naturally. It should stem from a genuine interest in something. There are women who have a passion for butterfly jewelry. Life is short. Go for what pleases you. Your collection should have meaning and also, ideally, tell a story.

People who appreciate Edna Hibel art and collectibles invariably have strong family values. They enjoy the romantic, old-world charm of Hibel's art collectibles, and Hibel's lavish artistic style. Sterile modern minimalism is not for them.

Art collectibles like these touch hearts with their loving depiction of mothers and children. As gifts, they tell the recipients that they are loved and appreciated. What do your collectibles say about you?