11 Gretchen Gonzales on Collecting What You Love, Not What’s Trending

ArtClvb
Sep 11
6 min read

Updated: Sep 14

Photographs by Daniel Ribar and Interview by ArtClvb

Musician, arts advocate, and unapologetic rule-breaker, Gretchen Gonzales Davidson has built a life rooted in creativity. A self-taught guitarist and composer, she has played in countless bands—from early basement shows in East Lansing to her current project, Battle Elf, where she and her collaborators craft experimental soundscapes that blur the line between music and sculpture. Beyond the stage, Gretchen serves as Chair of the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and sits on several national arts boards. As both an artist and a collector, she surrounds herself with eclectic works that reflect her lifelong commitment to the arts. Her collection, ranging from abstract Detroit icons to folk art treasures, mirrors her dedication to supporting artists at every stage of their journey. We sat down with Gretchen to talk about collecting and making music.

About Gretchen Gonzales's Collection

What inspired you to start collecting art?

I like being in a space full of things I love! I've always gravitated towards lively, eclectic spaces, and my house reflects that.. I'm not sure what came first - being inspired by art or seeking out art to be inspired by. At this point, it feels like they feed each other in an ongoing cycle.

What was the first piece you ever bought, and what drew you to it? Where does your art collecting story begin?

My collecting story doesn't have a clear beginning because I've always been surrounded by art. Since my teenage years and beyond, I've had lots of musician and artist friends, so my living space has always been filled with colorful pieces - some found, some gifted. I was always drawn to thrift stores and garage sales, and I've even rescued incredible pieces from the garbage. I can't pinpoint my first "purchase" because art has always been part of my world.

Sculpture by Bob Sestok, Mug by Yarema Inc., Vase by Marius Giuge

Which artwork in your collection draws the most attention from visitors?

There are a couple pieces in our kitchen area that seem to get a lot of comments - One of them is a large abstract painting by Bob Sestok, one of my favorite artists in Detroit who started City Sculpture.

Another standout is a big playful, colorful cat by Wallace Ting that was gifted to Ethan the day he was born. It’s signed to Ethan Daniel Davidson on his first day into the world.

How would you describe the focus or theme of your collection?

My collection is simply all things that I like! I tend to be drawn to abstract work, but over the years I've also collected folk and contemporary. Having served on the boards at College for Creative Studies and Cranbrook Art Academy, I’m often around emerging artists, who I really enjoy learning from. I had one graduate tell me years after the fact, that having her work in my collection gave her more confidence and inspired her to continue creating. It reinforced how important it is to support artists at all stages of their careers.

Being an artist yourself has that influenced your collection?

I gravitate toward other artists and friends that have a similar creative spirit. When collecting a piece by a friend or someone I met it can give a personal connection to the piece.

In regards to me as a musician, I really enjoy collaborating with other artists and musicians. In fact, collaboration is one of my favorite things. There is nothing better than a chance to work with friends on a project to see what happens. Or that chance encounter with someone I’ve never met but become fast friends through a new collaboration.

Which artists or art movements are you most passionate about? Why?

As a DIY artist, I’m always drawn to other DIY artists. I’ve been into American Folk art for many years, which usually showcase very simple forms and color palettes. The artists are depicting culture within their community, like day to day life, social issues and folklore, from their own perspective and often without formal training. One of my favorites is Jimmy Lee Sudduth. He painted with collected pigments from earth, rocks, plants, and other materials on found wood and boards. I have a painting of his beloved dog Toto in my foyer.

Sculpture by Bobby Leo Veresan and Split Cedar Object by Robert Mirek

How do you find new artists to collect?

I like to happen upon new artists while traveling and visiting galleries.

Do you prioritize established or emerging artists?

All of the above - when it speaks to me, it speaks to me.

Have your tastes evolved over time? How has your collection reflected that?

Maybe a bit more refined, but I think with the same aesthetic.

What's the last work you purchased?

I just bought a few pieces from a dear friend and artist, Leon Dickey. He likes to recycle materials and give them a new life in his work. I particularly love all of the tall totems he makes - I’ve started a collection of them.

Do you collect anything other than art?

I have all sorts of collections! Salt and Pepper Shakers, cake stands, birds, musical instruments, music boxes, guitar pedals, coffee cups, bells…

On Art Collecting Advice

What advice would you give someone who wants to start collecting art?

Buy things that you like, don’t buy them for a specific spot in your house. You’ll always find a spot for it to live :)

What are the key things to look for when purchasing a piece of art?

Don’t buy because you want to “invest” or think it will go up in value. Buy because you love it. And if you’re storing it, bubbles on the outside.

Do you recommend focusing on a particular style, artist, or medium when starting out?

No, I think you just get what speaks to you.

Understand each collection is unique and mirrors you as a person. There is no one size fits all… if you’re genuinely trying to start collecting go in with an open mind. See where that leads you and you’ll become more refined through the years as you figure out what you like.

Are there any common mistakes new collectors should avoid?

Don’t follow trends! Collect what you love and see where it’ll take you.

Can you share a bit about your own creative practice as a musician?

I’ve been playing in bands since I can remember. You find your people and create something together that you wouldn’t make on your own. My collaborators and I are always exploring and pushing boundaries with our projects– we often invite other art forms in– dance, film, visual projections. It gives the music dimension that keeps things fresh and interesting.

How would you describe “Battle Elf’s” sound and energy to someone who’s never heard you play?

The music pulls from a lot of places we love. Krautrock, psychedelia, free jazz, and Detroit experimental. It’s open-ended, sometimes heavy, sometimes spacious, and we think of it as a kind of sound sculpture. It’s very much about listening and seeing where the sound takes us as much as it is about playing the music itself.

Vase by Mark Vander Heide and Painting by Bob Sestok

Besides playing at the Detroit Warehouse, do you have other performances or projects coming up that you’re excited about?

I collaborate with many different people, but my primary bands are Infinite River and Battle Elf. This spring, Infinite River performed at the Venice Biennale with an art project called Inploration, and we are currently working on our new record, Forever Elsewhere. Battle Elf just released 10 in May, with a follow-up record out later this year. Battle Elf fits well with the non-traditional venues. We often like to be a part of a visual exhibition, adding a layer of sound to the experience. We've played many opening night marathon sets, but ArtClvb on the 20th will be our first 7 hour set - 5 hours being our longest so far.

Battle Elf will be performing at Detroit Warehouse: Art and Design Fair

2 PM on Saturday, September 20 at the Boyer Campbell Building in Detroit: Performance by Battle Elf

Battle Elf: Chris Peters, Dave Hurley, and Gretchen Gonzales produce soundscapes of human experience. Like the rushing rivers of traffic jams, the fuzzy guitar meditations of Peters and Gonzales anchored by Hurley’s arrhythmic heart beating percussion takes you on a cosmic journey.