No matter the century, the country, the culture, people have been ornamenting their lives and the lives of others. There has never been a time when we haven’t taken pleasure in looking at beautiful things, creating beautiful things, collecting beautiful things, giving beautiful things. Ancient paintings on the walls of caves. Stone, bronze, and marble sculptures. Jewelry crafted from shells, bones, brass, precious metals. Weavings, baskets, woodturning, stained glass … the variety of art stretches back through time and will continue to stretch into our futures as we continue to create, to collect, to ornament.
or•na•ment
noun | an accessory or item used to beautify the appearance of something
verb | make something more attractive by adding an embellishment
personal ornaments
Earth Tone Bracelet by Cherie Dori 
Aviary Earrings by Of Rare Origin 
Diamond Peak Cuff by Maria Samora 
Rope Edge Buckle by Ben Nighthorse
What are the benefits of ornamenting our lives, and the lives of others? What happens when we add something beautiful? It might not be easy to explain or define. But we’ve all experienced those moments when we see a stunning vista, a brilliant sunset, a shimmering gold bracelet, a twinkling gemstone and we feel … good! Those beautiful things generate feelings and emotions that are positive and pleasant. It’s simply how we’re wired. We want to experience those moments again and again, and share them with others. So we seek out, select, and collect items that ornament life. Sometimes we keep them. Sometimes we give them.
small ornaments
Blue Crane Bowl by Robert Rivera 
Little One by Edward Aldrich 
Dottie by Mark Dziewior 
Apple of His Eye by Peter Woytuk
medium ornaments
After the Fall Works by Jim Rey 
Sovereign by Bryce Pettit 
Trail to Maroon Bells by Roberto Ugalde 
Fall Sunset by Stephen Day
large ornaments
Wolf Robe by Greg Overton 
Pegasus by David Yarrow 
Range Duty by Star Liana York 
Shiprock by Doyle Hostetler 
Pretty Shawl’s Red Mountain Tipi by Kevin Red Star
May these ideas, large and small, inspire you as you ornament your life and the lives of those around you this season. Remember, no well-chosen gift is ever a late gift! Feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team of art advisors regarding any of the ornaments seen here or for assistance finding just the right piece. Visit us in Durango and Santa Fe or online.
SORREL SKY GALLERY 