Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1487662
An Aesthetic Athenaeum "I find my peace of mind at my home li- brary. I have over 1000 hard cover books ranging from fashion history, classic liter- ature, art, biographies, first editions, and many more. If I need to research for an up- coming film project, I don't need to leave my house as I am able to find almost any source to inspire and give me the informa- tion and knowledge I seek," says CD Mikael Sharafyan. Books are arranged based by categories and to highlight the genre. Petite sculptures and busts that relate to the subject matter stand guard. For instance, Shakespeare folios are accompanied by a Shakespearean bust. Venus de Milo holds court in Greek leg- ends. Theater opens with the statuette of Har- lequin and so on. When traveling, at least a couple of books are a must-have. Books that can keep his mind at ease even during the most challenging of projects. Currently on lo- cation in New Jersey, Eloise at the Plaza, 52 Small Changes for the Mind and Fashionpedia are in tow as steadfast confidants. He dedi- cates 15 to 30 minutes of down time to read- ing. Sharafyan's sentiments on reading are simply curative. "Reading is quite therapeu- tical, relaxing, improves concentration, and the ability to focus. Reading can even reduce stress. I guess that's one of the reasons I take everything light- heartedly. I always say that we are not saving lives, but we give life."