We have an announcement on what we are doing with the art from the potters house. Auction to be held online with global shipping from kauctions.ca kastner auctions ending April 30/2019
Please have a professional photographer take pictures of all the pieces and turn it into a book. Since you are selling it this will be the only time it is all together in one place for that to be able to happen.
@@rosalynnlazar-wolfe1477 I totally agree! I think a website about Mary and her life, art, pottery and poetry would be great. Perhaps a gallery of museum could host it. Sell a book with photos of her work and prints of her sketches.
Totally! A Masterpieces Museum style Art Book! Or something like that. Side note, have thought of reaching Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Canada largest museum) or Ottawa's Art Gallery ?
Make sure the bigger auction houses in the US and Europe know about this auction. The more people know, the better the return. And I'm going to predict that you're going to be absolutely shocked by the amount the auction brings in..
Agreed! So many people really love this house and and this channel, what's being done. I hope the auction goes really well. It's so nice that this house is also being taken care of. I hate seeing old houses demolished. This house has so much great character and very homely feeling.
Be sure to add all the Scottsdale Arizona auction houses and permanent galleries. Ceramics is very important to this region and all of the southwest. Also many of the people who live in the southwest and here in Scottsdale have money to invest in beauty.
A professionaly done book with all the: recipes , poems, sketches, written interviews, and pictures of the pottery would be a great homage to Mary's work!
That would be a great homage. But that's something her family should do, not just some kind antique picker who took her nasty house off their hands. If her family cares so much then they need to keep her memory.
@@Blue-rl5dp it's not just about her family.. what about all of her students she taught? Her friends? Her artwork and poetry is her Magnum opus. I'm sure people who know her would love a momento of her life.
Yes he is, what an honor to see this journey. Please, please someone give him and his family a tv show. They would be the most refreshing show out there. Such a good person with such integrity.
That book would generate a tidy sum of money for you both (the family and you guys) to do well financially! Just a thought, but those recipes and her ways of firing her pottery and all would be very sad if it went with her, when it is her time, and not passed on in the future! And assuming her children never took up her pottery, even as a hobby, would forever be lost. Her Grandchildren or Great Grandchildren may at some point want to take up the art of pottery, and it would be a shame if there were no way for them to have those "tricks of the trade" to help them along their path to pottery!
You are just an incredibly generous, honest, good man. It makes my heart glow to know there are awesome people in the world like you! You should consider setting up a fund with the money - maybe a one-time donation to an art school or gallery in Mary's name or something? If they don't want the money for one reason or another. Her work is incredible, and should be treated as a treasure of Canada! Love and good tidings to you all the way from New Mexico - a state where art, especially indigenous is revered.
Making a book with the photos you take is a great idea. Perhaps a coffee table type of book with photos of her art and maybe sections about the treasure hunt involved with finding her works and a story on her life. It really is an interesting story and would be more permanent than a gallery showing.
great idea also! take a little extra care with the auction photos, then simply pop them over to (for example) BLURB self-publishing online - individuals can go online and order the book one at a time, no up-front investment for Alex. Then anyone who wants can have a memoir...
Getting professional photos and making a book is a great way to generate more income but more so a way for those who can't afford to buy a piece but still have a connection, keep sake of this journey or because they are Mary (Art/Pottery) fans who haven't seen this but saw the book in Barnes and Noble/ book store. You could even do postcards!
Much respect for your decision, however I'm not sure about the auction house you have gone with. The significance of the collection of works you have these really need to go to a fine art auction house, properly catalogued and marketed in a specialist sale.
Words thrown around the comments, generous, noble, honorable, honest, topnotch, good hearted, respectful, respectable, awesome, excellent, all are synonymous with your name now. I think that's why we're all hooked on the potter's house and now your channel. There isn't enough goodness in the world, and your putting out more than your fair share.
I think it far more likely that after two months of shouting on YT about how much profit he's made out of the contents of a house he paid pennies for, without any mention of sharing the proceeds with the former owners, the Borgstrom family have made a claim and the court has awarded a 50% share. I could be wrong, but I strongly suspect this is the case after such a sharp 180. No small businessman, especially with a young family to support, is this generous. That's a huge proportion of his profit margin he's suddenly just handing over. I enjoy the videos, but this just doesn't add up any other way.. A lesser gift perhaps, but 50%?? Umm, my money's on no.
He’s been talking about sharing the proceeds from the beginning and he’s done the same thing with other buy outs before this one. I’m sure you have a reason for being cynical; I prefer to believe there are good people in the world (even though I have plenty reason to be cynical).
Your integrity is a gift we can all admire. I'm reminded of an older place and time when people were encouraged to always consider people first over profits. When I first started watching the Potter House series and the subsequent discovery of the artistic importance of the owner's history and work, I held my breath in awe. As an artist I've seen more than my share of artists being taken advantage of by unscrupulous people and many beautiful works lost to neglect and destruction. With each new find and revelation about her important contribution and the respect she garnered globally in the art world I wondered how the value of her work would eventually be approached by you and your wife and the delicate issue of how the profits would be used. After seeing what you did for Adam I had faith that you would do the right thing, and once again you have not disappointed me. You and your wife embody the best of virtues, kindness, compassion and fair play. Characteristics that all of us as human beings inherently possess but are too often overlooked in this dog eat dog world. I am so heartened to hear this latest update. You've worked hard for all that you have gained and we've been there to witness the many positive transformations you have encouraged in the lives of the people you've touched. Thanks for doing the right thing by Mary and her family. I hope that your example of fairplay will send a quiet message to other folks in the treasure hunting business. Cheers!
Alex you are a wonderful person, but I am glad you are keeping at least half the money. Anyone who’s watched this series knows how much you deserve it with the extraordinary work you’ve put into that house, and all the time and care you’ve shown in going through all the piles and piles of stuff to unearth all these treasures. I’m so glad I found your channel!
This Story Is Simply Amazing From The First Episode. Breaking Down The Walls of Greed Now. YOUR QUOTE @4:00 min mark " MONEY IS JUST MONEY! IT'S NOT WHAT SHOULD LEAD US THROUGH OUR LIVES" Well Said! First With The Homeless Man You Shared Your Profit With From The Item He Sold You That Gave Him a Hand UP. AND NOW THIS Shining A Light On A Artist And Her Pottery. Which I Think Was Surely Saved From Obscurity. Saving Her House With A Historic Designation. Also A Nomination For An Order Of Canada..... WHAT!!! Alex, Your Heart Of Kindness And Fairness Is A Virtue That Shines.... A Virtue That Seems Lost In The Society Of Today. Thank You For Reminding Us Of Faith In Goodness And Sharing.
Yes, congratulations Alex for doing so. You were absolutely not obliged to do it but you do. This is grand gesture from a good, decent human being. Mom, as well as us all following you, is proud of you. I salute you, Sir.
@4:03 "Money is just money. It should not lead us through our lives. It should be something that helps us to do the things we want to do." Awesome! I'll remember that and live by it.
@@Tenebarum Did you watch the interview with her? She got a late start --she raised a family first with her husband before devoting her later years to developing her art. She learned from primitive cultures and helped save/ promote their traditions for pottery-making, and she taught others rather than keeping her techniques secret. She was also humble about her creations. Your comment is very bitter. Perhaps your life is difficult right now; if so, I hope things improve for you.
@@RC.41 You're right, but not how you think. It's a really easy thing to say when you know what it's like to be destitute as well as flush with cash. Some people who've seen their last dime learn what's important in life. Sadly, some people just learn to blame their problems on others.
@Smirenka That's a lot of word vermicelli without saying anything. Can't afford health insurance, well then I'll just suffer. Can't afford housing, well then I'll just be homeless. Have to work three jobs to make due, well I'll just have no free time. Even in a good scenario, you are still living a sludge where you spend the majority of your time enriching your boss. Money is incredibly important when society values it more than your life. "Sadly, some people just learn to blame their problems on others." And sadly others think that pulling yourself by your boot straps is valuable advice.
Alex, in the world as it is today, it is exceptionally rare to see someone doing something generous because it's the right thing to do. Thank you for being an exceptional human being.
Alex, you have to be the kindest, fairest person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing ( via RU-vid ) . I wish more people were like you. Thank you for taking us along on your adventures and introducing us to so many of your friends and family.
A book of photos would be great for everyone to buy, who cant afford to buy the pottery. Her life is fascinating, together with the story of you revealing the house contents, and saving the house from demolition.
You rock! I’ve never seen such an awesome, humble, and honest person. I’m so glad that I found your channel! Please keep doing what you’re doing. The world needs more good people like you.
You and your wife are amazing people. So many others have said it already. I admire you for your heartfelt goodness. I hope you keep at least one piece for an heirloom to pass along to your family. You will be blessing her family so much, and us for bringing her artwork into the lives of all of us here in internet land (who had never heard of her). Well done and God bless you and your family.
I love that 3 weeks ago you were at 100K subscribers and now you have more than doubled that. It's because you give out of the kindness of your heart that people are drawn to your channel. As much as the mainstream media makes us want to think controversy sells...it's kindness that we thrive on. Thank you for being the people you are.
@@staciemckenty-assal8949 how could they not watch he has a great personality, a wonderful family and he's always onto a new adventure. I know ppl love the house but it's also about him and his family that they are drawn to as well. He will be just fine :)
Alex, You are a true Canadian! This is another example of your realization that we are all in this together. Thank you for showing us all how life should be lived.
You are one awesome guy, you are setting a wonderful example for your children. My mom taught us kids........"to do unto others and we would like them to do unto us" You just put a big smile on God's face to think of others. God will richly Bless you.
A business man with a heart, a rare & special thing in this cut throat world we find ourselves in. Utmost respect to you and your lovely family. My family and I have been enthralled with watching your videos of Marys old house. Its looking good, and extremely well done to you for saving a piece of important historical heritage. Awesome.
You and Melissa are wonderful humans; a lovely, humble, and selfless act of kindness. Before the auction though - and I'm saying this as an actual pottery specialist/archaeologist - please make a thorough catalogue of all the pieces with multiple photos, some with a scale stick. If there are original notes from Mary about any of the objects, do include photos and/or scans of those, too. Whether they ever end up in a complete published catalogue or not, all of this information should be preserved.
@@missarchaeologist I really hope they do make a book about Mary and her pottery. It's something that live in for generations. The style she used to fire them in an open pit, her own glaze recipes, the different types of clay, her drawings, copies of the letters of her exhibit at the Canadian Olympics and her exhibit in Japan, the newspaper articles, dimension of the award she was to receive before she passed away and any history she was able to tell Alex before she passed away. It could also include her poetry in the book. I think it would be an amazing way to share her legacy with others. I would definitely buy one if it was available. I think he said he had to get special permission from the family to do anything like that though but I don't know why they wouldn't agree to it just one more thing he could split the profits with them.
James so well put James. He is a fine example for men, on how to be a good father and husband, and for ladies, as an example of how youd want your hubby to treat you, and for kids, as an example of a fine honerable father.
You are such a fine example of respect and respect. Your kids are so blessed to have a dad who teaches compassion and decency. Thank you for taking us along on this journey.
What an amazing couple you are. I love your philanthropic attitude towards Mary, and towards Canada, by making her home a historic house. Mary's family are blessed by your kindness. Blessings to you and your family. Kim in New Zealand 😊
I’m conflicted with this news. I believe you and your family deserve more if not all of the proceeds (business is business, you worked extremely hard, spent a ton of money, have a young family, have gone out of your way to honor Mary’s home and her pottery)...but, what a kind thing you and your wife are doing. I hope and pray you reap an abundance of blessings for your good deeds. I admire your heap of faith. You are a good and decent man!
You & Melissa are the Phenomenal Ones! WOW I sure wish I had friends like the both of you....Honestly I'd LOVE to own a piece of Mary's Art, but my income is very limited....I'm just Thankful to have been a part of your audiences while you've recorded this journey thus far!!! Bless you & Melissa for giving the family 50% of your sale of the pottery, that gesture is Awesome....Y'all are AH~MAZING👍❤️❤️😃
Very impressive & sweet of you & your wife's decision. Mary is still alive & I'm sure will appriciate what you've done & still doing. God bless you both. 💖
You and your wife are the finest examples of how people should go through life. You both are setting the stage for your children to be successful people in this world. I have been following your channel well before the potter house series began, and I knew way back that this channel was going to take off. Well done Alex and Melissa!
You and your wife have such honourable hearts. Such lessons in gratitude, compassion grace are hard to come by, and thank you for teaching us a gentler way to approach life. We will be looking for a new PM soon here in the U.K. If you fancy the job, you would have my vote!!
The pottery is amazing & I complement you in giving back 50% of what you raise in your auction! The one thing I would be most interested in is her notes of where, how & what components she used in her pottery! That, in my opinion, would be the most interesting artifact in this endeavor!!!
You and your wife are both amazing. You both are blessed to have each other. Your kindness to others is so rare. We can all learn from your example. Safe travels to Colorado Springs.
Alex, watching your video’s are like getting a dose of sunshine. You are proof that there are still good people in our world. Your integrity is inspirational. Thank you!
Cannot hit the like button enough times!!! You are giving your kids what even the most expensive college could not afford-a legacy of Honor! Those are some lucky kids to have a Dad & Mum like you two! You guys are awesome & I hope to snag at least one or two pieces for myself 🤩! Sorry she couldn’t have a showing, though! I Love the book idea!!
I have enjoyed watching the Potter house series it was the first time I started watching your channel. I admire the integrity of your choices. The way you have conducted yourself and honored the artist, I just wanted to take the time to say, that I think your priorities are right on, and you will be blessed for taking others into consideration while on your journey. Also, wanted to say your kids work ethic appears to be right on, they are modeling what you have taught them by the way you conduct yourself and of course your wife too! 🌞thanks for the warm feelings!
Alex you and your wife are amazing. I remember you saying the family member didn't think that there was any pottery left in the house. So giving that to the family is just gracious and generous. Was tearing up over that one. Wish I could afford a piece of the journey you and her family have been on. Been totally ,truly a great experience watching the event unfold Alex. And it's not over yet. Thanks Alex, to you and your wonderful family. Have a great time in Colorado.
The two of you are amazing people! Your concern for others is refreshing in a world of "looking out for number 1". Your children have amazing examples and I'm sure will be a great reflection on you. Look forward to watching your vids for a long time to come.
When they take pictures for the auction (make sure they are really good quality) and then you can make it into a picture gallery of her collection... etc... just an idea!
Showing as a collection...... you could photograph each piece individually , created a limited edition book and sell to everyone not fortunate enough to purchase an original work of art - continuing income for you and Mary?
Alex, this is exactly the way you are. ❤️. I have known many resale shop owners and none have willingly made the decisions toward preservation and historic legacy. Bless you and your family. Am looking forward to the best years for you to come. 👑.
Wow, you are such a genuinely kind, wonderful, honorable, humble and sweet human being. If we were all just a little bit more like you it would be a lovely world to live in. You have opened my eyes and I am going to strive to be a little bit more like you. From the bottom of my heart thank you for making me realize that there are still good people in this world. Your channel is by far the best one out there in all respects and I look forward to watching many more episodes. I even subscribed to Joshes channel because I love his artistic mind. Thanks again Alex.
I'm so glad that you all are spreading so much kindness and love all coming from Mary's house. This world really needs more good folks like you and your family. Bless you all.
So great that you happened to buy this house and you're making the effort to save this beautiful art pottery and her legacy. Anyone else would probably have thrown it in the trash and razed the house to the ground. Your treatment of all this benefits everyone.
YOU ARE AN AMAZING FAMILY, YOUR PARENTS MUST BE SO PROUD, BEAUTIFUL SOULS, 😭 FORTUNATE CHILDREN TO HAVE PARENTS WITH SUCH BEAUTIFUL PRINCIPLES/HEARTS/COMPASSION. GOD BLESS YOUR AUCTION FOR YOU AND MARY AND HER FAMILY HONOURED TO HAVE MET YOU. CAMILLE AUSTRALIA
You & your family are amazing. You don't just do the right thing when it suits you but you do the right thing all the time. Just a great thing to hear.
They could start a combined scholarship for a future MARY. Bless you Alex and Melissa...stay wonderful and hello again from Marci from Denver/DTC area😊
You are a truly special person (and family) and a blessing is definitely on its way to you as you move through your life with such integrity, kindness and caring heart. God Bless!
I wish all people had your integrity, values and clear insight about money. I have been enjoying the potters series very much. Your incredible sense of what is the right thing to do is amazing and I am so very happy I found your channel. You and your family are the REAL rock stars!
Let us not leave out Josh's amazing talent as well...I'd love to see Josh do up some of his acrylic paint on canvas artwork of some of the pottery to display in the house.
Joyce, I suggested to Alex that Josh do a painting of Mary that could be hung in the house until it is sold, thennperhaps donated to the family, or Alex and family could keep it, or someone who end s up perhaps buying a lot of her work may want to purchase it...just some thoughts. Josh does amazing portraits , I think Mary as an artist, would be so pleased to see another artists rendition of her...Josh’s Einstein series are just breathtaking !
I don't know if it's wise to get anyone other than a professional art photographer to take the pictures. There are many kinds of photographers and just because someone can take good photos of certain things doesn't mean they can do a proper job on others. Good art photography requires a studio or particular complex light setups.
Speaking as someone who has lost both of her parents and knowing how horribly difficult It is to go through their things and get rid of memories.. I can't even imagine Mary's children turning her legacy over to a stranger. It seems to me that you and your wife value Mary's things more than her children did. I'm not sure I could be so generous in spirit. Many blessings to you and your family.
I am not a collector of antiques or pottery but this series on the potters house has pulled me in. I’m subscribed to your channel and now follow you on Instagram. You, your family and friends are great people! You all are so relatable to the average person. Watching you sort through the house was fun as you transformed it into something pretty amazing. Thank you for being a genuine good guy! Also, congratulations on finding your sister. I will continue to follow this story and any future endeavors you may have. All the best to you and your family!!!
Alex - I have been watching the progress of Mary’s house since the beginning (which is about the time I discovered and subscribed to your channel). As I’ve watched the progress, I have been in awe of the way you, your family and friends have been so very respectful of Mary - of her home, her art, her well-being and her legacy. You have done everything you possibly can to show her and her family the goodness and humanity that all people deserve!!! I commend you all for this wholeheartedly. I only saw the video you did after your Dad’s passing yesterday and, may I say, he must have been the proudest Dad!!! You, Melissa and your entire family are certainly ‘Paying It Forward’ and I sincerely hope that good karma only will follow you all always!!! Bless you all!!! 💜💗 I hope that all your viewers will see your kindness and compassion and make it their mission, in some small way, to also ‘Pay It Forward’. Everyone has the power to make this world a fabulous!!! 💕💕
"Money is just money. It's not something that should lead our lives, just something that helps us do what we want to do." Wise words. You are so kind to think of what Mary would have done, had her health permitted it.
I see where someone here suggested a book or catalog of photos, I think that's a great idea! I cannot afford to bid on her art, but I could find the money to buy a catalog.
You may be surprised ! As soon as Alex publishes the items, you may find one that entices you but not everyone. So you could get what you like at a very low price !! Keep watching.
Alex this just goes to show what a amazing man you are after all the hard work you have done to the house here you are still looking out for Mary i pray the auction will do very well god bless you and your family hun
