InLiquid's Everyone is a Collector campaign, made possible by PNC Arts Alive, emphasizes our belief that everyone ⎯ no matter their location, career, style or background ⎯ can and should be a collector. We've asked you to tell us about your collections, art or otherwise, and we will be  sharing these submissions on our blog!

This week's featured collector is Leah Gibbs-Gore, who found InLiquid through our booth, Lost in the Funhouse, at SPRING/BREAK 2019, where she added Eat It by Jocelyn Hill to her collection!

What do you collect?

In terms of traditional art, we have mostly painted works, prints and drawings but I will find a home for any piece that brings me joy, 2D or 3D. I also collect vintage and antique salt and pepper shakers.

Tell us everything about this collection! What attracted you to this? What do you like most about it? Which one is your favorite?

I’m highly sentimental and will quickly assign personas to inanimate objects that speak to me. Most of my art is reflective of a deep feeling, a fond memory or clear expression. I love pieces that mirror intense joy, love, sensuality, eroticism. Hard to pick a favorite, they all hold a special place.

When did you start your collection?

Since I’m a former artist and an art school grad, I started my collection of visual art in my dorm room. I still have works done by myself or friends all over our house.

What inspires you most about having your collection in your home? 

Our collection is pretty large at this point so we don’t have much wall space, which I love. The pieces are grouped together to instill a certain feeling or cadence to their settings and I love how they feed off of one another. All our walls are salon style and have pieces of all sizes.  Especially with what we’re going through now, I feel grateful to be able to look at a piece that brings me joy, or makes me laugh, or gives me an escape, even for a few moments of the day.