New York Gift Fair: Natural Curiosities
It’s a fitting message for these times that in our desperation to cut back and save, we should not forget the glories of music and art. That’s Christopher Wilcox’s message from his Natural Curiosities booth at this week’s New York International Gift Fair, which really resonates:
“In a recession, it is the general view that art must be one of the first things to go, as it is not a ‘necessity.’ But I strongly disagree. Art IS a necessity,” Wilcox says. He’s included some illustrative quotes about music and art, along with new prints available in that genre. (You can’t buy directly from Natural Curiosities, but their Web site has a store locator.)
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.” – Victor Hugo
A print of 14th-century illuminated Catholic liturgical music. You can almost hear it.
On the left, Berioz’s notes to a score he composed soon before his death. At right, notes from a young English girl’s school journal in the late 19th century.
Portraits of the great Austrian and German composers: Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Mendelssohn, Schubert, and Wagner.
“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso
These Crozier calligraphy feather designs, found “in a far-away flea market,” according to Natural Curiosities, add some much-needed whimsy.
Taken from an artist’s personal sketchbook, the Ferguson’s Voyages of Discovery takes us away to a more pleasing state of mind.
In relationships, they tell you not to sweat the small stuff. But in this economy when everyone is pulling back, the small stuff – such as these gorgeous prints – might just be what keeps us going.