Meaning: Howard Hodgkin, a renowned British artist, once famously said, "A collection makes its own demands. Many artists have been collectors. I think of it rather as an illness. I felt it was using up too much energy." This thought-provoking quote reflects Hodgkin's perspective on the nature of collecting and its impact on artistic creativity.

Hodgkin's statement suggests that building a collection, whether it be of art, objects, or any other items, is not a passive endeavor. Instead, it implies that the process of collecting itself exerts a certain influence and pressure on individuals. The act of curating and maintaining a collection can consume significant time, resources, and emotional energy. Hodgkin's likening of collecting to an "illness" suggests that the pursuit of amassing objects can become all-consuming, even to the point of being detrimental to one's well-being. This view challenges the romanticized notion of collecting as a purely joyful and enriching activity, highlighting its potential to become burdensome and draining.

Furthermore, Hodgkin's assertion that he "felt it was using up too much energy" underscores the taxing nature of collecting. For an artist like Hodgkin, who was deeply committed to his creative practice, the demands of maintaining a collection may have felt like a distraction or a drain on the mental and emotional resources that he preferred to channel into his art. This sentiment reflects the tension that can exist between the impulse to collect and the imperative to dedicate oneself fully to the act of creation.

In considering Hodgkin's perspective, it is worth noting that many artists throughout history have indeed been avid collectors. From Pablo Picasso's extensive gathering of African and Oceanic art to Damien Hirst's own art collection, numerous creatives have found inspiration and fascination in the act of collecting. For some, the act of amassing objects serves as a wellspring of ideas, a source of aesthetic stimulation, or a reflection of personal passions and interests. However, Hodgkin's words offer a counterpoint to this narrative, suggesting that for him, the act of collecting posed challenges and detracted from his artistic pursuits.

It is also interesting to explore the broader implications of Hodgkin's quote in the context of the psychology of collecting. The notion of collecting as an "illness" invites consideration of the compulsive and obsessive aspects that can sometimes characterize the behavior of collectors. The pursuit of rare or coveted items, the relentless quest for completeness or perfection within a collection, and the emotional attachment to objects are all dynamics that can contribute to a sense of obsession or preoccupation. Hodgkin's likening of collecting to an "illness" beckons us to contemplate the psychological underpinnings of this activity and its potential impact on individuals' lives.

In conclusion, Howard Hodgkin's quote provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the complex relationship between collecting and artistic practice. His perspective challenges conventional notions of collecting as a purely enriching pursuit, highlighting its potential to exert demands and consume energy. Whether one interprets collecting as a passion, an obsession, or an illness, Hodgkin's words prompt us to consider the multifaceted nature of this activity and its implications for individuals, particularly those engaged in creative endeavors.