A singer, a philanthropist and a passionate art collector, Miel de Botton grew up in a family immersed in art. Such an upbringing has shaped her impeccable taste in art, meeting established artists introduced to her by her parents. In recent years Miel de Botton entered the spotlight by finding her vocation as a singer and engaging in the process of catharsis through songwriting. Today she is a flourishing singer of charming French and English ballads, performing concerts in prestigious venues all over the UK and abroad. Originally from Switzerland, she is the daughter of the pioneer of open architecture asset management, Gilbert de Botton, as well as the sister of renowned philosopher, Alain de Botton. Miel is still very involved in the arts, however, and is a supporter of many arts institutions.
Read her interview to find out how art collecting is very cathartic for her, about her recent commissioning project with artist Andy Goldsworthy, and that one special piece by Anish Kapoor.
The Collection
How did you get into art collecting?
I was basically born into it. Both my parents were passionate collectors. When my father married my stepmother she was also an ardent art collector. So I had contemporary art around me my whole life and that inspired me to continue to want it around me.
What is the main motivation behind your collecting?
I love to be soothed and calmed and put in a joyful mood by the art around me. It must touch me emotionally.
When was the first time you felt attracted to an artwork?
I was mesmerised by the Victor Vasarely paintings that were hanging in my parents’ house. I could look at them for ages and loved their kaleidoscopic effect. I must have been about eight years old.
How was your collecting focus established? How did you originally start?
My parents introduced to many artists and I often took that interest further by collecting them.
What is your focus regarding the artists in your collection? Are you more interested in emerging or renowned artists?
My collecting focus is really on the artists that were becoming more and more established as I was growing up. So they were emerging artists, but are now renowned.
Is there one or two particular artists you follow the most?
Artists like Anselm Kiefer, Anish Kapoor, Francesco Clemente and Andy Goldsworthy.
Is there any particular type of art that has consistently attracted you, or anything that unites all the works you have acquired?
I like artists who are responsible for their own work and do not delegate to assistants. I feel that one feels a heart connection with these artists much more. Land art is also a big favourite of mine.
What was the first artwork you purchased?
I bought my first artwork in the Jack Shainman gallery in New York. It is a work by Micah Lexier and is like a squiggle of smoke made of metal. I was about 27 and was going around the gallery with my mum and I felt a twinge. I liked its joyful, ephemeral quality.
Would you ever want to share your collection with the public? If so, through, which medium (i.e. online, print, private art museum)?
Yes, I would like to open my country house garden to the public so that I can share the enjoyment of the sculptures in it.
Is there any kind of artwork that can make you write a cheque without hesitation?
No – I think I will always think carefully before buying a work. But obviously there are moments when everything feels right and the writing of that cheque flows more easily!
What is your most treasured artwork?
I would say an Anish Kapoor sculpture that I inherited from my father. It was hanging in his office and is now in pride of place in my home. It is one of his earliest sculptures of the kind, which are now so rare. When Kapoor came to the house, he said it was one of his first pigment sculptures, so it is very special. You look at it and lose yourself in it. It is very meditative, contemplative, fantastic…
How important is it for you to meet the artists who created the artwork?
Very, very, very important. I treasure my relationships with the artists and have commissioned pieces from them often. It is a wonderful journey between the collector and the artist. Very enriching for me. I recently commissioned Andy Goldsworthy to do a year-long project focusing on ephemeral art in the outdoors, which was an extraordinary experience for me.
Thoughts on collecting
What is your first art memory from your childhood?
I remember being enchanted by Florence. Seeing all the gorgeous paintings I really felt an emotional connection with many of the soulful portraits there.
Where do you purchase your artworks? Do you buy privately or in public?
Mostly at art fairs and galleries.
Do you travel for art?
Yes! I regularly visit the Venice biennale, Basel Art Fair, FIAC in Paris, and I have also pursued art pilgrimages- travelling to Marfa Texas, The Lightning Field, The Sun Tunnels and The Spiral Jetty to name a few.
Do you see collecting art as a cathartic process?
I think looking at and experiencing art is cathartic.
Are there any art works or artists that inspire you during your song writing?
Not really, song writing for me is one thing and art is another. It may still happen though!
Why has art become important in your life? Is it a passion or an obsession or both?
It is definitely a passion and I look for an emotional connection with an artwork – an emotional hit when the artist expresses things deeply. I am entranced by the fact that joy, melancholy, pathos can be expressed by the artist and felt by the onlooker.
Who inspires you in the art world?
My friend Emily Tsingou is a wonderful art adviser. We are great friends and she takes me all over the world to enjoy fantastic artworks.
Can you name (three) emerging artists, who should be on our radar?
To be honest, the artists that I like such as Roger Hiorns, Jaume Plensa and Thomas Houseago have been around a little while. I have, however, recently seen works by Chiharu Shiota and Fiona Hall that did impress me.
Claire Bouchara
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A selection of artists de Botton collects
