The WORLD as treasure hunt...
I found this lush photograph of a shop in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, taken circa 1870, while researching ancient markets at the Library of Congress. This image enchants me every time I look at it. I imagine myself walking through the shop, smelling incense, and hearing foreign languages as I search for new treasure.
The word that best captures my ethos of collecting art and cultural artifacts is DISCOVERY. I simply cannot resist an opportunity to meander through galleries, museums, bazaars, artisan workshops or even the busy streets of cosmopolitan cities in search of beauty. I am inspired by the search itself and delight in each discovery. How do I know I found something magnificent? Perhaps Anatole France said it best::
"In ART as in LOVE, instinct is enough".
With wonder,
Maryna