Collector Collider

This piece is an exploration of the act of collecting and how it plays a key part in the human experience, and how human collecting differs from other animals.

Collecting in animals typically has several functions (that we observe): survival, camouflage, and attracting a mate. Sea Urchins cover themselves in shells or the carcasses of dead urchins to mask their smell from predators. Decorator crabs attach anemones and plant matter to their shells for camouflage. Birds collect a colorful array of material, leaf matter or sticks to attract a mate. Squirrels store food and den material for the winter. Collecting for most species is purely a means of survival.

Collecting as a human seems to be a large piece of the foundation of our species’ growth and survival. We collect what we love. We form identities by collecting. We collect clothing to wear. We collect tech to help us, animals to keep us company. We cherish memories, stories, ideas, and other things that lack a physical existence. A massive array of items that blanket all the senses encapsulate our life and describe who we are to those around us.

The idea of escaping collecting all together is impossible to imagine, and I wonder how free an animal or human with no urge to collect must feel.

2022