Collectors Gene Radio: Episode Summary Featuring Ryan Matthew Cohen
Title: Collectors Gene Radio
Host: Cameron Ross Steiner
Guest: Ryan Matthew Cohen – Dealer, Collector, Co-Author of The Witch's Door, and Co-Founder of Oddities Flea Market
Release Date: February 12, 2025
Introduction to Ryan Matthew Cohen
In this episode of Collectors Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner welcomes Ryan Matthew Cohen, a renowned figure in the world of oddities and collectibles. Ryan is celebrated for his extensive collection of rare and unusual artifacts, his expertise in osteological art, and his role as the co-founder of the Oddities Flea Market. The conversation delves into Ryan's lifelong passion for the macabre and the unique journey that has shaped him into a modern-day curator of curiosities.
Early Beginnings and Childhood Fascination
Ryan reflects on his childhood in upstate New York, where his curiosity for the peculiar was sparked by exploring the woods and collecting natural specimens.
"My earliest memories are actually going through the woods looking for like reptiles, like salamanders and snakes and things in nature..."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [03:57]
Unlike many collectors whose interests evolve over time, Ryan's fascination has remained consistently focused on the macabre and death-related artifacts.
"I don't fully understand my fascination with the images of Death... it has to do with death in some way, shape, or form."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [05:09]
Career as a Jewelry Designer and Its Impact on Collecting
Ryan shares his unique career path as a jewelry designer for Ralph Lauren, under the mentorship of Arnold Goldstein, Ralph Lauren's first jewelry designer. This experience provided him with invaluable skills in metalwork and restoration, directly influencing his ability to curate and maintain his extensive collection.
"I learned how to work with metals, I learned how to work with wood... It was like going to college."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [07:11]
Sourcing Rare and Unusual Oddities
Sourcing rare oddities is no small feat. Ryan explains the challenges of finding unique items outside conventional antique stores, emphasizing the importance of networking, attending specialized shows like the Brimfield Antique Show, and leveraging online platforms.
"You have to have your ears open and your eyes open, and you have to know people."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [09:19]
He highlights that much of his best acquisitions come through tips from contacts or unexpected discoveries.
Vetting and Authenticating Collectibles
Ryan discusses the critical process of authenticating collectibles to avoid forgeries, particularly in the macabre niche where modern reproductions are prevalent.
"I've certainly purchased fake pieces before... There's a huge market of fake antiques coming through right now."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [11:05]
He underscores the necessity of expertise and meticulous research in distinguishing genuine artifacts from clever imitations.
Condition and Restoration of Items
The condition of collectibles plays a significant role in their value. Ryan elaborates on his approach to restoration, balancing preservation with maintaining authenticity.
"Sometimes you don't want to touch things at all because you don't want to ruin a patina."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [13:05]
He enjoys the restorative process, often handling minor repairs himself or collaborating with museum conservators for more intricate work.
Balancing Fascination with Respect for Dark History
Collecting items with somber or dark histories requires sensitivity. Ryan emphasizes the importance of educating the public about the origins and stories behind these objects to foster respect and understanding.
"Informing the general public that may or may not be offended by what you do is all you can really do."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [16:10]
Encounters with the Supernatural
Ryan recounts experiences that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural, particularly involving cursed objects in his collection. He shares a personal story about cursed dolls that allegedly brought strange occurrences until they were removed from his collection.
"I had these dolls that supposedly gave us a curse... everything seemed to go back to normal."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [00:00]
"Ghosts come and haunt me. And sure enough, they did."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [17:27]
Oddities Flea Market and Market Trends
As co-founder of the Oddities Flea Market, Ryan discusses the platform's role in connecting collectors and enthusiasts. He observes a rising trend in the popularity of artwork within the oddities market, noting significant increases in auction prices for memento mori pieces.
"I've become the guy known for oddities... artwork has become very popular recently."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [18:59]
Displaying Collections and Ideal Venues
Ryan shares his philosophy on integrating collectibles into living spaces, striving for a balance between showcasing his items and maintaining a livable home. He also envisions ideal venues for large-scale exhibitions, such as The Cloisters or The Morgan Library, to present his and Richard Harris’s memento mori collections.
"I want to make my house livable... I always had this rule where I need to be able to, like, comfortably live in the house and not have it set up like a museum."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [20:30]
The Story Behind The Witch's Door
One of the standout segments of the episode revolves around Ryan’s co-authored book, The Witch's Door. He narrates the discovery of a Salem witch trial-era door with mysterious origins, which became the centerpiece of the book. The door's history, linked to someone accused of witchcraft, and the enigmatic documentation surrounding it, provide a gripping narrative that combines historical intrigue with personal adventure.
"We found this door... it's a Salem witch trial era door from New England."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [24:09]
He also shares anecdotes about uncovering other rare items, such as an Egyptian mummy's disarticulated hand, highlighting the unexpected treasures within his vast collection.
Future Plans and Archiving Strategies
Looking ahead, Ryan discusses his commitment to preserving and cataloging his collection meticulously. He employs a comprehensive database to manage over a thousand items, ensuring each piece's provenance and history are well-documented. Ryan also contemplates the future of his collection posthumously, expressing a desire to prevent his artifacts from dispersing uncontrollably.
"I'm making a catalog now to really keep track of it. And I've tried to do that with the rest of the collection, which is vast."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [30:03]
Collector's Dream Rundown: Q&A Segment
In the concluding segment, "Collector's Dream Rundown," Ryan answers several reflective questions:
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What's the one that got away?
Ryan laments missing out on acquiring a rare fruit wood skeleton due to its high auction price, now housed in a museum. -
What's next for you in collecting?
He continues to hunt for elusive pieces like the aforementioned fruit wood skeleton, aspiring to complete his collection. -
The unobtainable (Unobtainium):
The rare fruit wood skeleton remains his ultimate unattainable goal. -
Page one rewrite (If money were no object):
Ryan expresses interest in collecting rare vintage cars or investing in real estate. -
Who do you look up to in the collecting world?
He admires the House of Scandal in London and European dealers like George Leo. -
The hunt or the ownership?
Ryan unequivocally prefers the hunt, finding joy in the pursuit of rare items over owning them. -
Do you feel that you were born with the Collector's Gene?
Absolutely, to a fault.
"It's always the hunt... that's just how the brain works."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [36:07]
Closing Thoughts
Cameron wraps up the episode by praising Ryan's dedication and passion, encouraging listeners to explore Ryan's work, including his book The Witch's Door and the Oddities Flea Market. Ryan expresses hope that his life's work will leave a lasting impact, emphasizing his intrinsic motivation driven by sheer fascination.
"I do it mostly for myself. It's something that I am just fascinated with and have such a passion for that I can't do anything else."
— Ryan Matthew Cohen [32:45]
Key Takeaways
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Passion-Driven Collecting: Ryan's unwavering dedication to collecting oddities showcases how personal passion can drive expertise and influence niche markets.
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Importance of Networking: Success in sourcing rare items heavily relies on building and maintaining relationships within the collector community.
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Balancing Preservation and Livability: Integrating a vast collection into daily life requires thoughtful arrangement to ensure personal comfort alongside showcasing valuable items.
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Educational Responsibility: Sharing the history and context of dark or macabre artifacts fosters appreciation and respect among the public.
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Future-Proofing Collections: Meticulous cataloging and strategic planning are essential for the longevity and preservation of extensive collections.
For those intrigued by the mysterious and the macabre, this episode offers a deep dive into the life of a passionate collector, unveiling the complexities and triumphs of preserving the world's oddities.