I almost gave away half my collection of vintage suitcases this week. I even offered my six vintage Samsonite overnight cases to my daughter, to use for storage. She said no.
And I was secretly relieved.
I’m glad I kept them.
Remember when I described my altered art/paper collage projects as “vacations” from my regular artwork in the last essay?
Well, I’ve stowed all the materials in my suitcases. I stacked them on one of my
rolling steel shelving units from Sam’s Club. (Thanks again for the great tip on these, Bonnie Blandford!)
I can grab a suitcase, make a funny pink drink with a little umbrella in it, and enjoy myself thoroughly. Just like a real vacation!
They look really, really, cool, too.
Author: Luann Udell
I find it just as important to write about my art as to make it.
I am fascinated by stories. You can tell when people are speaking their truth--their eyes light up, their voices become strong, their entire body posture becomes powerful and upright. I love it when people get to this place in their work, their relationships, their art.
As I work from this powerful place in MY heart, I share this process with others--so they have a strong place to stand, too.
Because the world needs our beautiful art. All of it we can make, as fast as we can! Whether it's a bowl, a painting, a song, a garden, a story, if it makes our world a better place, we need to do everything in our power to get it out there.
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Luann Udell 
I agree, sometimes it’s okay to keep stuff! Whenever I come across something I think I SHOULD get rid of but the idea is too heartwrenching, I give myself permission to keep it for a while longer. I can always get rid of it in the next purge. Purging doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing! There’s always another round.
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Oh, I love those vintage suitcases, too!
My parents had the cream set in my childhood, and I have just brought back the smallest of those from my Mom’s… I had bought the large and medium ones in a local thrift store a few years back…
I admit that I actually USE my suitcases whenever I travel, heavy as they are… they just make me so happy!
I’m glad you kept yours, Luann… little treats for the soul.
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I have an old set of rolling suitcases that I could not do without. I use them to deliver my pottery work to galleries, and to tote work to my craft show booths. I store bubble wrap in them when empty, ready for the next shipment delivery or show. I’m so glad I never threw them away. But then again, I never throw anything away. Bad habit.
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