Finding what can't be found...

IG-64 · 04-22-2019, 04:07 PM

Have you guys had much luck finding specific artwork that is hiding in some way, like deep in someone's collection that doesn't post on CAF, FB, etc., and if so how you went about locating that art, and if you were successful in obtaining it? I know this is a pretty small-not-small community, so I figure someone knows someone who knows someone who has that one page you're looking for, even if there appears to be no trace of it in past auctions, CAF, etc. I ask because as I start to pine for more vintage pieces from the heyday of when I started collecting comics (90s), I've honed in on some specific pieces I'd love to have, but a lot of them I find no trace of anywhere.

**nbr3bagshotrow** · 04-22-2019, 04:33 PM

Like finding a needle in a haystack.

galactus · 04-22-2019, 04:34 PM

You just need to post what you're looking for in as many places as possible, hopefully someone who knows where the piece is sees it (or is told about your post) and gets in touch with you. There's really not much else you can do.

galactus · 04-22-2019, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbr3bagshotrow

Like finding a needle in a haystack.

It happens though. I had Ron Lim do a commission of the below piece because I liked it and didn't know where the original was. Low and behold, after posting the commission on CAF, I was contacted by the person who owned the artwork and we made a deal (trade), which actually ended up costing me WELL less than what I was willing to pay. The commissions been sold since, but this piece is one of my favorites.

**JadeGiant** · 04-22-2019, 04:46 PM

Tough call if there has never been a public record of the art existing (CAF, Heritage, etc.). If there is one specific page you are looking for, the art may not exist – could have been thrown away or misplaced, etc. Most 90’s art is out there but most of it was not highly valued at the time unless it is from a very popular series.

You can try and find it quietly but that severely limits your reach as creating awareness is your greatest ally for a hidden piece of art. If you go this route, try and find a collector(s) that clearly collect art that falls in the range of what you are looking for. Reach out and ask if they are aware of the art you are looking for, etc. You have to realize that they may also be chasing the same art and you may tip your hand to a competitor.

I agree with Drew – SPAM all the art sites/groups, etc. online and make it very clear that you are looking for the art. The more you do this, the more likely to get the art to surface. A bit of advice on this method – be willing and ready to spend top $ as going this route will often cause you to be held hostage a bit on price. A popular Micronauts collector has had a ton of success with his quest for art but he also has overpaid for quite a few pages due to his reputation for doing whatever it takes to get the art he wants. He seems to be OK with it as the art means more than the money he has to give up to get it.

Good luck – hopefully we hear a success story.

**JadeGiant** · 04-22-2019, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galactus

It happens though. I had Ron Lim do a commission of the below piece because I liked it and didn't know where the original was. Low and behold, after posting the commission on CAF, I was contacted by the person who owned the artwork and we made a deal (trade), which actually ended up costing me WELL less than what I was willing to pay. The commissions been sold since, but this piece is one of my favorites.

yep, there are some great stories of art coming out of the woodwork.

My favorite issue of Hulk is 227 and posting my quest for pages from the issue led to a person pointing me in the direction of a page that also cost me less than I was willing to pay.

carlito1978 · 04-22-2019, 05:06 PM

good luck. I'm still on the quest for some pieces but they are no where to be found.

**JadeGiant** · 04-23-2019, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlito1978

good luck. I'm still on the quest for some pieces but they are no where to be found.

Have you posted anywhere what you are looking for?

risingstar · 04-23-2019, 09:56 AM

I have hounded collectors for artwork before... Persistence actually works but it'll likely cost you... lol.

**JadeGiant** · 04-23-2019, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by risingstar

I have hounded collectors for artwork before... Persistence actually works but it ill likely cost you... lol.

I have too but in a very infrequent and never with expectation or entitlement (amazing how many people feel this way). It has worked for me also.

And you should expect to pay up for a piece that is not listed for sale and you are trying to pry it away. IMHO