Specialty: Jewelry, exploring paper as a medium
Most Recent Craft Show: Washington Craft Show
Upcoming Craft Show: None Planned for 2013
Paper. It's usually something you write on, or put into your printer, or hold between your hands as a magazine or a book. Although the modern day has brought the material into use in the wearable art field, few have dealt with it so originally and spectacularly as Francesca Vitali, an Italian who immigrated to the United States. Although trained as a chemist, Vitali found inspiration in American propensity to shift careers within the course of one's life.
Satelliti (Satellites) brooch of repurposed paper, sterling silver; woven, 2010. |
Craft was not unfamiliar to her, however; indeed, as a young girl she was already making jewelry. Paper was quickly realized as a useful medium for her early experimentation; she recalls, “The first piece that I have ever made of paper was a very long necklace made of strung paper beads, and the paper was from a clothing line catalog. I’m amazed I still remember that!” It was the endless range of colors available from magazines and other publications that lit her imagination. Just by re-using old paper products, she had a limitless palette to choose from.
A Mano Libera Series, Aspide (Freehand Series, Asp) necklace of recycled paper, sterling silver, nylon coated steel cable; woven, 2011. |
Connessioni (Connections) necklace of recycled paper, magnet; woven, 2012. |
In contrast to A Mano Libre, in Connessioni the paper itself is the necklace, “wire”, clasp and all. The interwoven connection between red and white paper appears to be not only functional, providing some give to the necklace, but also a visual centerpoint. Abbraccio is another completely paper design which features a closure at the back, like a torque. Simply shaped, here it is Vitali’s use of color that commends the piece; the glossy purple, pink and deep red are a resonant combination.
Abbraccio (Embrace) necklace of repurposed paper; woven, 2012. |
Selection of Vitali's work at her booth in the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show 2012. |
“For years, I have worked a lot on paper and metal, always trying to figure more ways to combine these two elements,” she describes, “but recently in the past year and half I found that I’m very attracted by paper only. In a way I’m going back where all started. The only difference now is that I’m doing it as a conscious choice over incorporating other material.”
Having come full circle, Vitali is juggling her jewelrymaking with her baby daughter, Penelope. Continuing to impress, her vibrant and unusual pieces stand out in both technical skill and aesthetic sense. Who knew paper could be so fashionable?
More of her work can be found here.
Illusione Ottica (Optical Illusion) bracelets of repurposed paper; woven, 2012. |