P.M. Hodder – A Discerning Eye

Pat Hodder at a recent venue – P.M. Hodder Art & Objects.

By Kimberly J.B. Smith
Contributing Writer

Collecting art might sound intimidating to some. However, including art in one’s life and environs adds a personalized aesthetic to living each and every day. Need some direction? If so, I have someone to introduce to you.

Meet Pat Hodder, an art collector who has the knowledge to help you make smart choices and start your collection!
Pat learned early the value of unique pieces. In her teenage years, Pat received a vintage diamond ring through the estate of a dear friend. Included in the collection was a dinner ring in the shape of a rooster that was set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds. It was a spectacular piece – unique and rare. The ring that Pat received was also an inspiration and more importantly, an inadvertent beginning of a lifetime of passion for art and objects.
In the 1970s, Pat ventured into collecting when she purchased a Fred Harvey era stamped silver bracelet with a green turquoise stone. (Fred Harvey featured Southwest designs along popular travel routes back in the 1940s and made some changes to designs to attract a greater audience. Harvey was a dedicated promoter of S.W. Indian crafts.) Pat’s purchase totaled $13 and a it’s a piece she still wears today.
In addition to collecting jewelry, Pat also collects prints and paintings. Among her oeuvre are Japanese pieces including an Inari – a Japanese spear that can unseat an attacker seated on a horse. There is also a collection of Inuit carved stone animals, and Native American pieces.
When Pat purchases a large collection, she evaluates each piece. Some pieces may need repair and others may be improved through updating and blending. This is where her discerning eye comes into play. With two art degrees and decades of collecting, Pat finds ways to breathe new life into pieces. Reusing, repurposing and redesigning are all executed to the benefit of her pieces. The process involves sketching out her vision and having a jeweler realize the design. Her particular name for this process is “marrying” pieces and this often involves combining stones.
Pat finds that the metal quality of vintage jewelry is often better. In the case of Native American pieces, the stones are generally unaltered. Because of this, the color of the turquoise will soften or mellow over time. Most modern stones are stabilized and the silver is rhodium coated to retard tarnishing. This coating, as many of us know, yellows over time. Collectors prefer the muted color of uncoated silver.
In addition to the uniqueness of vintage pieces, buying vintage jewelry is a good value. Clothes and shoes go out of style but a personalized collection of quality jewelry never loses its appeal. What pieces speak to you?
To make contact with Pat, email pmh.art.objects and watch for “open house” ads in local papers. Upcoming events: You can meet Pat at the Wolfeboro Historical Society flea market (around Labor Day – date tba) and at an Open House at Full Moon Fashions (designer clothes, art and jewelry) on 38 Country Road in Melvin Village on June 13 from 10 – 2.

To see more on Kimberly J.B. Smith visit her site atwww.kimberlyjbsmith.wix.com/kimberlyjbsmithart