Ellen Cantor: Mimi and Her Purses
Mimi and her husband, Phil, come from large families with lots of aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters and cousins. Along with many family celebrations, there are also somber moments when someone passes away. To help retain each person鈥檚 memory, Mimi chooses to use their purses for special occasions. This keeps their spirit alive and creates a living memorial for all who see Mimi wearing these handbags鈥� reminders of the past when every outfit had it鈥檚 own matching purse.
I was invited to Mimi鈥檚 closet to see the numerous handbags and hear the wonderful stories about an Aunt or Grandmother or even a Great Grandmother who owned these remnants of times past. Inside purse is a holy card with a picture of a Saint, the person鈥檚 name, date of birth and death and whatever the previous owner left behind鈥攈andkerchief, lipstick and other inconsequential items such as band aids, packets of Splenda, price tags, toothpicks and even a sewing kit.
Each purse is a tribute to the past, creating a celebratory experience from an everyday object. By allowing the handbag and the items found inside to live a new life, Mimi captures the essence of memorable people in her life. -EC
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Mimi and her husband, Phil, come from large families with lots of aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters and cousins. Along with many family celebrations, there are also somber moments when someone passes away. To help retain each person鈥檚 memory, Mimi chooses to use their purses for special occasions. This keeps their spirit alive and creates a living memorial for all who see Mimi wearing these handbags鈥� reminders of the past when every outfit had it鈥檚 own matching purse.
I was invited to Mimi鈥檚 closet to see the numerous handbags and hear the wonderful stories about an Aunt or Grandmother or even a Great Grandmother who owned these remnants of times past. Inside purse is a holy card with a picture of a Saint, the person鈥檚 name, date of birth and death and whatever the previous owner left behind鈥攈andkerchief, lipstick and other inconsequential items such as band aids, packets of Splenda, price tags, toothpicks and even a sewing kit.
Each purse is a tribute to the past, creating a celebratory experience from an everyday object. By allowing the handbag and the items found inside to live a new life, Mimi captures the essence of memorable people in her life. -EC
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