The Christmas Tree - Art and Photography by Sarah Myers

Christmas Tree, 2016
Photography and paper ornaments by Sarah Myers

“Here in a little crib lies He whose reign is without end,” sings an old carol, and in keeping with the Christmas spirit of the birth, the childhood of God, we often decorate with cheerful, toy-like ornaments. This year I have brought out these again, a smiling star at the top of the tree, a smug sheep, a toy soldier, a camel. But the great amount of the decoration is a snowstorm of cut-paper flakes – each a different pattern, fragile artwork taking time and concentration in spite of its simple technique. Many of these snowflakes have been adorning the tree every Christmastime for years, but an avalanche on the north side of the fir is made up of flakes or medallions created this winter. The tree beneath is real – a six-and-a-half foot Noble Fir, smelling of evergreen needles and resin.

Christmas Snowfall
Photography, cut paper ornaments and tiny gift-bearer by Sarah Myers

A Christmas tree covered in whirling snow...
Sarah Myers

Caught in a Snowstorm
Sandro, the little glass soldier from Italy, and an angel smile amid the huge flakes and starry lights

Christmas tree and ornamental screen

North Side of the Christmas Tree
The side facing our kitchen holds the snowflakes I cut this year

The Christmas Fir
Although the tree is visible through three doorways, this view is essentially its front.

A Snowy Christmas Tree
In front, my sculpture carries flowers from the still-blooming desert garden.  In the background, a painting I created, and which I bring out for the Christmas Season, hangs on the wall.

Ornaments on the Tree
Details of the cut paper medallions we call snowflakes - some in patterns of flowers, leaves, fruit and palms.

East Side of the Tree
Snowflakes, glass baubles, a toy orange

The Small Angel
An announcing angel I created last year

Christmas Atmosphere
Christmas 2016, Sarah Myers