Launched in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Irving and Miriam van Dijk, Netherlands-based gallery Priveekollektie is known for surprising, exceptional works that elegantly blend the worlds of contemporary art and collectible design. The duo represents internationally recognized artists and designers at the same time that they provide a platform for strong, emerging talents. On the eve of Design Miami/ Basel, we checked in with Miriam to learn what’s on her desk—and her mind—right now, including her advice for new collectors and what the gallery is planning for next week.

What’s on your desk right now?

On my Scrinium prototype desk by De Intuïtiefabriek, there are samples of our bronze patin Black Melting series by Reinier Bosch and alabaster for the Aqua Fossil series from Amarist—two of the most important concepts in our Design Miami/ Basel booth this year.

What first sparked your interest in design and art?

Growing up in The Netherlands, I could explore the local museums from a very young age. Today, I’m fortunate enough to be able to travel across the world, and everywhere I go, I still never miss the opportunity to visit museums.

If you were new to collecting design, where would you start?

From my experience, visiting international art fairs—Design Miami/ Basel for example—would be the best place to start your collection. By visiting the fairs, you are able to experience the works in the best way possible, and to connect with the galleries directly for solid advice.

Do you have a favorite Design Miami/ Basel moment from over the years?

Pharrell Williams and his wife visited our Miami booth in 2013, when his hit “Happy” was lighting up the whole world. Among other kind words, he also mentioned the works he’d enjoyed in our 2009 Basel booth. What an eye for detail and a great personality! After all those years, that fun meeting is still one of the highlights of my Design Miami/Basel experience.

What can you tell us about the work you’ll be presenting this year in Basel?

This year, we are celebrating Priveekollektie’s tenth participation at the fair with even more personal and impressive design pieces, as a lot of patience and thought has been put into the work due to the lockdown period.

What are you most looking forward to or hoping for at this year’s fair?

We hope the audience will again be inspired by the pieces as a celebration of life and nature. Our selection of works represents the deep connection between these artists and their surroundings. In some cases, the natural elements come directly from the unique material itself—as in the Spanish alabaster stone in Amarist’s Aqua Fossil series—and in others they’re retrieved from personal memory, as in the case of the black Melting series, inspired by Reinier Bosch’s childhood memories of walking, with his grandmother, by the dark lakes in the forest in Groningen, in the north of Holland.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Always look on the bright side of life.