This… This piece right here. Makes my heart beat in love song rhythm. I had set out to make something heavily laden in petals. The promise of spring is almost too much to wait for so I created one in the studio. When you begin a new project like this you have a sense of how long it may take you but more times than not, I fall so much deeper into the rabbit hole than I thought I would. Hand dyeing fabrics to achieve a compliment in variant tone, deciding which antique tools and shapes to use while forming the silks, cutting the right length of wire to give each one its own stem. Apparently Emici Livet flowers don’t like to share stems. If you were to hold this swag, Ginette, in your hands you could see all the individually silk wrapped wires coming together in sway. Every flower has a velvet finished back. The reason for this was because I wanted maximum possibility for this piece. Every angle would be beautiful and cared for. Down the rabbit hole we go. Take my hand.
Detail photos so you can see the micro vs macro. You really get a sense of personality in each cut of fabric you manipulate. This curve fits here best or this spot needs a certain color or texture to set it off. Carry on this way until thirst or hunger drive you to stop and you will know Ginette has cast her spell. How many petals is the right amount for this component? Too much and you have created another space somewhere else. Too little? Not a great option either. Every person is different though and art is art. How do you standardize it? You can’t and that is what makes it wonderful. The immense universe of materials chosen from, condensed and displayed into a physical representation of the time and love that went into it. It’s not just me either. The antique tools used in the Emici Livet studio have decades of use. Each is unique with a patina of rich history. I consider each one a privilege to care for.
The silk velvet used in Ginette was a small piece that I had purchased years ago. I have personally challenged myself to revisit these gorgeous materials. I know I am not alone in this collecting tendency so I thank all my fellow seekers for your company dear friends.
The “back” of Ginette. Could be the front too based on what works for the wearer. Don’t ever feel boxed in by the manner a piece is displayed. Amazing things live both in the spaces of tradition and the unexpected.
Sending lots of love! I must go for now. My cup of tea is empty and that simply won’t do. XO -Marie
