Top Ten with Stephanie Barber
The MICA artist-in-residence shares her favorite things.
By Lauren Bell | April 2017
The brilliant musician, Jenny Graf, made this for me on my birthday 10 or so years ago. I always feel protected and tough when I wear it.
Pre-birth of the Cool by Miles Davis. This is an Italian release of some extended and alternative versions of the nonet’s groundbreaking Birth of the Cool. My grandfather, who I lived with off and on as a child in New York, is the tubaist on this and so many great albums.
Broken white lambs. My grandmother wrapped these broken pieces for me as a Christmas gift many years ago as Alzheimer’s began its unsavory colonialism of her not insubstantial intellect.
Snake ring. My sister gave me this ring. It is nice to have this golden familiar looped upon my insistent digit.
Young Tambling by Kate Greenstreet. This book is story, poem, painting, and song. It’s a touchstone that I revisit regularly for strength and inspiration.
This elephant mask was made by Thidapha Thongsavanh and was part of a costume of mine for a short play she wrote and directed. It was a very uncomfortable mask and a very great play
Modesty tag. I’ve had this tag for so long. I find it exciting—a nice mockery of this virtue so foisted upon women.
This block has a short, mysterious story written in pencil by my father when he was a child. I love the way it is a direct link to his childhood.
I love this small collection of gorgeous handmade books by the Los Angeles translator and poet, Jen Hofer.
The Tiffany One-Cuts by Jeanne Liotta. This book is a beautiful and scathing critique of American class and media. It’s deeply sad and deeply funny—a delicate balance that the best art is able to maintain.
You May Also Like
A well-edited closet not only makes dressing for the weather easier, but it also eases the decision fatigue that leads to changing three times before you leave the house.
Kacey Stafford is a fixture in Lauraville—a splash of Southern comfort in a Natty Boh town.
True to form, the East Baltimore native designer fuses his love of streetwear with the avant-garde in latest showcase.
In a city of world-class museums, gift shops abound. And inside each one is another curated collection tailored to reflect the people, objects, and stories that make that institution special.
Meet the mother-daughter duo behind the whimsical gift shop, which offers a unique mix of curated home goods, accessories, antiques, and jewelry.
Located just around the corner from its sister shop at Green Spring Station, the new store is stocked with a tasteful balance of casual and elegant fashion finds.