In this episode of House of Folk Art, Sully steps out from behind the camera to join Matt Ledbetter in a candid discussion about folk art auctions and starting a collection. With humor and insight, Matt shares his auction expertise, emphasizing the importance of understanding value, history, and how to navigate bidding wars. He also dives into why every pottery collector should add baskets to their collection, highlighting their historical significance and timeless beauty.

CHAPTERS
00:00 - 00:02:00 | Sully Joins to Talk Auctions
Sully takes a seat with Matt to ask the big questions about auctions: How do they work, and where should a young collector start? Matt reflects on his own journey into folk art and introduces the key concepts of value and competition in the auction world.

00:02:00 - 00:06:00 | Bidding at Auctions: The Risks and Rewards
Matt walks Sully through the ups and downs of auction bidding, explaining how online buyers from across the country can drive up prices. He shares tips for navigating these situations, from understanding starting prices to knowing when you might be overpaying. “You’re not just bidding in this room—you’re bidding against the world.”

00:06:00 - 00:10:00 | Why Pottery Collectors Should Collect Baskets
Matt emphasizes the deep connection between pottery and baskets, explaining how America’s history was built on these functional yet artistic pieces. He details the significance of patina—the wear and grime that add value and tell a story—and why baskets are an essential addition to any collection.

00:10:00 - 00:14:00 | Patina, Walking Sticks, and the Beauty of Age
Matt demonstrates how the dirt and grime on folk art pieces, from baskets to walking sticks, represent their history. He cautions against cleaning or painting pieces, as it erases their authenticity and value. “That grime is 100 years of history—don’t wash it off!”

00:14:00 - 00:17:00 | Finding Folk Art at Auctions and Estate Sales
Matt explains how estate sales offer unique opportunities to find folk art treasures without competing against online buyers. He shares stories of memorable finds and the thrill of discovering pieces with rich histories.

00:17:00 - 00:22:00 | Decorating with Folk Art and Closing Reflections
Sully and Matt discuss how to incorporate folk art into home decor, from pottery on jug shelves to baskets and walking sticks that complement each piece. Matt closes by reflecting on the joy of collecting and preserving folk art, urging collectors to invest in pieces with stories rather than mass-produced items.

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Episode 18 | Navigating Auctions and Building a Collection

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