What I am drawn to most about the rental industry is its transformative and mercurial nature. The same objects can rent week-to-week and have a completely different tone and function depending on the context they’re placed in. I often think about the act of renting as a challenge to permanence and to consumption. Renting objects instead of owning them also allows for more fluid choices and the ability to generate vast creativity.
I would consider myself an object farmer by trade and operate at Newel Props as the logistics manager where I coordinate shipping and restoration. Since starting at Newel Props back in March, Newel Props’ inventory continues to impress me with its breadth as four generations of collecting not only allows for an incredible volume of objects but distinct voices and a richness to the variety within a collection. The caliber and craftsmanship of these objects, some dating back to as early as the 1700’s, continues to move me with their beauty and uniqueness.
Here are several highlights from the collection that I have grown to love. The first group are a selection of what I consider to be opulent treasures, and the second group have a mutable quality, a tendency to shapeshift and fit into many different contexts. One might say they have a humble magic.
– Marietta Klase, Logistics Manager
Q.
A book that everyone should read?
A.
An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace by Tamar Adler is one of my favorite books. I’ve read it multiple times, and I always gain new insights about process and how to be more resourceful as a cook. It turns cooking into alchemy.
Q.
What are some podcasts you listen to and why?
A.
- Time Sensitive with Spencer Bailey and Andrew Zuckermann.Â
- Amazing in-depth interviews with culture disruptors and makers.
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- Design Matters with Debbie Millman
- Hands down one of the best podcasts on art and design, and in my opinion a great podcast for commuting or laundry.Â
Q.
Who are tastemakers/designers you really admire?
A.
Sophie Buhai, John Derian, Amy Merrick, Jesse Kamm, Stacey Nishimoto, & Ashley HelveyÂ
Q.
If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?
A.
I would have a dedicated hour devoted to creative practices: Art making, free writing, and getting inspired by books and movies. Being able to incorporate more creative play in my daily routine is always a personal goal of mine.
