Arrivederci!

It's that time of year again la bella Italia awaits me and mine. The other half of me calls from across the ocean blue for inspiration, scents, tastes, clear blue waters, endless blue sky and treasures in each and every mercatino I find. This rosemary perfumed air, cobbled streets and linens flapping along clotheslines filling every balcony and terrace that have been for centuries inform my collections subconsciously. I wait all year each year to return to the other land from whence I came, meta' e meta'. There is no greater muse, no place more restorative. Addio, until I return with hand crocheted neck warmers, fabrics and heirloom jewels, I leave you with a view.

And why Artemisia?

Judith and Abra await before fleeing the scene of Holofones murder this painting by Artemisia Gentileschi was one of the reasons I borrowed her name. Her use of light and intensity of emotion in this period when only men like Caravaggio had been able to so eloquently move paint this way is stunning. The hurdles she had to jump to be given the opportunity to paint simply because she was a woman make her tenacity as a painter admirable.

Meta' e Meta'

photos: Denise Guerin

It started as a mono print on rice paper for my bachelor's degree show in Rome. Entitled simply "Meta' e Meta'"  (half and half) an egg shape drawn as a cage encircled at the tip by a rough hewn oval. Now, almost 10 years later my struggle between the Italian and the Polish American in me has evolved into a t-shirt collection. Available at Pipsqueak for all. T's tissue weight 100% organic cotton, hand screened no two a like, the common thread in my work, colors brown, mulberry and ocean.

Artemisia Styles For Red Carpet Event

I Really Like New Jersey's Sara O'Brien at her last fitting before Sunday's walk down the red carpet at the  New Jersey's Hall of Fame this year inducting the likes of Jack Nicholson, Danny Devito, Susan Sarandon, Michael Graves (Alessi) and more. The task at hand "Dressy business attire" as requested by the invitation. The other task use the I really like New Jersy t-shirt!

Corseted t-shirt cut into a shoulder baring tank embellished with silk charmeuse and sand washed silk flowers accented by a complementing corsage bracelet that can also be worn as a choker.

This paired with a 1940's style duchess satin high waisted cigarette pant with slit detail at ankle length finished with patent leather and snake skin t-strap black stilettos. Hair done up with black enamel chopsticks.

Styled and ready to go!!

All photos courtesy of Denise Guerin.

Fatine del bosco

My little forest fairy tanks are ready and lined up at Pipsqueak, in grey with pink, and white on white. More to come for Mom, just in time for Mother's Day!! Call Danielle she'll put one aside, only 2 available in each size and color only two in the world, ever! All made from 100% cotton and using recycled Italian linen and cotton for the embellishments.  Hurry, Hurry or they'll all be gone. Sizes start at 6/12 months and go up to 8 yrs.

Photos: Denise Guerin Images

Andromeda Spring

Like a little Grecian Goddess elegantly she's poised, "Carolina" the latest addition to this Spring.
Private commission.

And more...

Bussola

Antique non functioning compass with pistol detail, enameled french plaque, cut crystal bezel set red glass, 18k gold plated chains, ctrine and pyrite, long.

Sacre Coeur

Gruen ladies watch circa 1940, french enameled plaque, men's fob circa 1950 England, cushion cut coin citrine and black pyrite. This necklace is two in one the lariat piece with attached watch is removable and doubled chain can be worn in a single long strand.

Foglia II

24k gold leafed leaf, optically faceted smokey quartz, pyrite, labradorite. 18k gold plated chains, handmade  hain, 3 tiers and extendable.

Gocce

Labradorite, freshwater pearl, bezel set mother of pearl, and green amethyst drops, chalcedony drop, sterling silver handmade and repurposed chain.

Sei il mio cuore

English 1950's handbuilt marked functioning locket, iolite, sterling ring handmade and repurposed sterling chain.

Watchband bracelets

repurposed antique expandable watchbands with various semi precious stones above quartz, pyrite and quartz geod.

The next new accessory: the Yoga bag

Making yoga bags was never what I set out to do but should I make one for myself or buy one, seemed a rhetroical question. Seems others want one too so if you're interested you can contact me directly or go see Beth at Yogawood they're $85 and up depending on the fabric each is individual no two alike and are made from vintage remnants as is this tapestry one shown above. Namaste yoginis.