The New York-based gallerist Jean Lin is more of an educator than a proprietar of goods. While her Manhattan design gallery, Colony, is filled with furniture, lighting, textiles, and objects from independent designers, it’s her passion for the meaning behind each piece that sharpens her idea of collecting—not just accumulating.
“My work at the gallery is the ultimate influence on how I approach what I keep or not,” she shared with Whitewall. “The value of objects takes on a new meaning when you get to know the people who create them and understand the full lifecycle of a piece. Understanding that my role in consumerism is not about consumption but about education on why these objects are not to be discarded but treasured—this creates the ultimate filter on choices that I make when purchasing anything.”
Courtesy of Jean Lin.
This deep-rooted meaning recently led to her debut book, published by Abrams, titled What We Keep: Advice from Artists and Designers on Living with the Things You Love. Through its pages, readers can explore the homes and creative studios of over a dozen collectors—from Mira Nakashima to Adam Rolston, and many more artists and makers. Tips and tricks—like how to properly collect sterling silver or mix wood species for a cohesive interior look—join profiles, studio visits, and an array of how-to features.
To celebrate the book’s debut, Lin spoke with Whitewall about how the title came to fruition, how it celebrates her Taiwanese heritage, and what’s being presented at her gallery this summer.
Jean Lin Debuts “What We Keep”
What We Keep: Advice from Artists and Designers on Living with the Things You Love, courtesy of Abrams and Jean Lin.
WHITEWALL: Your latest title “What We Keep” details the art of collecting and how the objects we choose to keep reflect who we are. How did you arrive at this idea for a book?
JEAN LIN: I was approached by my editor, Shawna Mullen, at Abrams to write a book. She is so knowledgeable about the landscape of design books and thought the market was perfect for a book about collections. I knew I wanted to put a human voice behind the objects and tell the stories of people who surround themselves with objects that have deep meaning to them personally. My eventual proposal and the book itself is one that examines creatives and collectors as people through the lens of their homes and the objects within them.
WW: Why were these specific spaces or people the ones you wanted to feature?
JL: I wanted to shed light on people within our industry from the interior designers, the artists, and makers, as well as the homeowners who live with the work. I believe that there is a balance and ecosystem that exists between those three groups of people and that balance is where the magic lies.
Collecting Silver, Wood, and Cacti
What We Keep: Advice from Artists and Designers on Living with the Things You Love, courtesy of Abrams and Jean Lin.
WW: Was there one collector or object that surprised you?
JL: In my research for the book, I reached out to friends and colleagues alike to see if any of them were collectors of any kind. My friend Jonathan Boyd, who I know as an extremely skillful woodworker, collects rare cacti. He didn’t talk about it much so when I saw how extensive and beautiful his collection was, I was shocked.
WW: You were also trained as a fashion designer and have experience as a fashion designer, an interior designer, editor, writer, trend forecaster, educator, curator, part-time faculty member at Parsons, guest lecturer, and more. How has the amalgamation of your professional pursuits led you to opening Colony?
JL: Colony is the apex of my passions. I believe in examining beauty to find the substance beyond what is most readily prescribed. The key to this sentiment is in education and a full and robust understanding of your own perspective on what compels you and why.
Design DNA at Colony
What We Keep: Advice from Artists and Designers on Living with the Things You Love, courtesy of Abrams and Jean Lin.
WW: Tell us a bit about your ethos at Colony. How does it do things differently?
JL: We are structured in the spirit of a cooperative. Rather than the traditional commission structure that most galleries employ, we take a monthly fee and charge a very small commission. This allows our designers to grow with their sales, rather than chase their margins with every sale.
WW: You mentioned that design, style, and aesthetics were not a consideration in her home growing up in Massachusetts, while family, integrity, and hard work were. How did you come to understand the power of the latter? Why is that understanding of substance important to you now?
JL: Like many of the most important things in life, it was only a matter of time before I embraced where I came from and applied it to my life now. I think once I ventured out on my own and realized quickly that nothing was going to be handed to me, I reevaluated what was important and what kind of life I could be happy with at the end of the day. This is one filled with passion, hard work, and community.
What We Keep: Advice from Artists and Designers on Living with the Things You Love, courtesy of Abrams and Jean Lin.
WW: You mentioned that “the beauty of an object is that of substance; a physical representation of the people who create, use, trade and collect it.” What are some of your personal favorite possessions that represent this idea?
JL: I own some beautiful pieces by designers who I have represented at Colony over the years. They are so precious to me because they not only represent my matured aesthetic sense but also the hard work I had to put into be able to afford to acquire them. They represent the best of me and the relationships I hold very dear.
WW: What else fills your home?
JL: A lot of vintage pieces and definitely a lot of kitchenware. I love to cook.
Reflecting Her Taiwanese Roots
Courtesy of Jean Lin.
WW: This project calls upon your Taiwanese heritage to structure the book in five sections, each named after one of the Traditional Chinese elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Can you share a bit more about this special concept?
JL: I knew I needed to find an organizing structure that would speak to both a unifying aesthetic and an emotional sentiment from chapter to chapter. I also wanted to infuse myself and my personal story into the pages of the book. The traditional Chinese elements were the perfect answer to do all of the above.
WW: What are you looking forward to experiencing this summer in New York? Any upcoming shows you’re excited about?
JL: I love that the city comes alive downtown with self-starters putting on independent shows. When I started Colony ten-plus years ago there were very few of these and now it seems so vibrant. I’m so pleased to see this happening more and more every year.
Jean Lin’s Favorite New York Spots
What We Keep: Advice from Artists and Designers on Living with the Things You Love, courtesy of Abrams and Jean Lin.
WW: For those in town, what are some of your favorite places to relax?
JL: The piers on the Hudson River, up and down the west side, each have their own delight. I’m very partial to Pier 25 and Pier 26 in Hudson River Park. They are very close to Colony, but a really fun place for a walk or to sit and people watch.
