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At the age of 12 I learned to sew from my Italian grandmother who taught me on her industrial Singer. One day I asked her if she would make me a costume for my school play. In her broken English she replied: "I won't make it for you, but I will teach you how to make it for yourself." And my sewing journey began. I have been sewing on and off ever since, depending on the ebb and flow of life.
In my early adult life I took garment sewing lessons and also pattern drafting courses by an instructor from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where I am from. This introduced me to elements of fashion design and advanced my point-of-view.
When my Dad passed, my mom gave me my dad's camera equipment. Being a curious and visual person, I decided to give photography a try in-between my full-time marketing/advertising career. I got hooked, and signed up for fine-art photography courses at the International Center of Photography in New York. And for over 10 years I attended intensive workshops in Italy, during my vacation time. As my work improved, I submitted photographs into group shows and started exhibiting at various New York City galleries in SoHo and Tribeca. What surprised me most was that the work I was the most proud of sold the least. And the things that sold the most were unexpected. This taught me that while it's important to remain true to yourself, art is more meaningful when it engages and inspires others.
One day I stumbled upon a Fiber Art exhibit at the City Quilter Gallery in New York (unfortunately now closed.) I was totally in awe and inspired by what could be done with quilting and surface design. And thus my journey with quilting began. I quickly began mixing my photography, and fabric elements along with other mixed media, and started collaging. This opened up new visual explorations. While I don't quilt anymore, the carry over to explore how color and texture is combined in unexpected and surprising ways, still fascinates me today.
Because I've always had a passion for fashion, designer handbags, and accessories; one day I decided to sew up some eye cases for my vintage eyewear collection. (I have a large collection from all over the world). This is what eventually lead me to my first pattern -- a unique eyeglass case that I sold to optical stores and boutiques. After spending over 35 years in Brand Advertising and Design (my full-time "day job"), I retired and moved from New York City to Texas. My time with bag-making flourished, and it became my-semi-retirement joy. I started making more bags an accessories, and then eventually designing my own patterns. Today, my passion is mostly work with leather. My moto is to create a little bit of art every day.
While I don't miss the the long hours and pressure of a full-time career in advertising, I do greatly miss the every-day creative collaboration that occurred everyday with others. Collaboration is energizing - it always makes one + one = three, and takes work to greater heights. This led me to exploring ways I could collaborate with other makers online. And also to exchange knowledge and skills in person with others that might benefit from my experience and vice-versa. If you have interest in sharing in creativity with me, drop me an email.
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