Presented by eBay
Saturday, February 11, 2012

CULTURE

Trimming the Tree with a Menagerie of Ornaments

Photo of Mary Ellen Mark in Oaxaca, Mexico by Marcela Taboada. Photo of Mary Ellen Mark's Christmas tree by Meredith Lue.

 

Around this time last year, I had the opportunity to visit the studio of Mary Ellen Mark, legendary photographer known for her poignant images of people around the world, traveler and humanitarian. As I wandered about, I felt as if I was given a glimpse into the adventures she and her husband, filmmaker Martin Bell, have experienced through their remarkable work.

Walls of books and prints of favorite black and white photographs rose to the ceiling. Funny robot toys, a hilarious assortment of political nesting dolls, a cacti garden, crafted wool animals from Mexico, elephant figurines from India, all kinds of dogs (wooden, stuffed), even a rodent collection of mice and rats revealed Mary Ellen’s penchant understanding for the humor and idiosyncratic details that define cultures everywhere.

Then there, right by the window, was the most charming Christmas tree I had ever seen.  It was faux snow white, dressed in a rainbow of fluorescent mini lights, and adorned with quirky animal ornaments.  I was smitten. “I’ve always looked for strange and beautiful Christmas tree ornaments, especially ornaments of animals,” Mary Ellen told me. Many of them are from Mexico; some are from India, and some are from Kisan (www.kisanstore.com), a shop in Soho that has unusual and wonderful objects from around the world.”

 Kisan Concept Store is a favorite NYC destination for me, too.  I called owner Olivier Bremonde to see what Christmas ornaments were in this boutique this season. “My wife Thorunn and I are sensitive to the spirit of an object that can transport a person to another place and time,” Olivier said.  “In our travels, we collect what moves us, especially the unpredictable things. We bring them home and then curate them for our shop.”  Apparently, Denmark must have been a on the Bremondes’ itinerary this year, as  the shop is filled with ornaments from the Scandinavian country.

Since I’ll be spending the season at home, I love that I can wander through eBay collections and curate my own tree from my desk.  

Tags:
Share

Related Posts

Comments

Add a Comment

  • Terms:
    By contacting The Inside Source and/or submitting any comments or content, you accept the Inside Source Privacy Policy and agree to be legally bound by the Terms of Service. Need to hyperlink both the privacy policy and terms of service.
    Please see our Comment Policy

  • Please provide all fields including a valid email address.

Close

Insider Weekly

You have been successfully added to the Insider Weekly email list and will receive a confirmation email shortly.

There was a problem submitting your form. Please try again.

We've unearthed the most stylish stuff on eBay according to the week's hottest trends.

Â