You Are The Key 2024, 300x400 cm
In September I had the pleasure of spending time with Stefania Vichi. Stefania is a fabulous artist based out of Umbria Italy. Our initial meeting took place at lunch, where we indulged in local delicacies and enjoyed a glass of white wine or 2 . Despite being social media acquaintances the connection between Stefania and myself was immediate - it felt like we were old friends reuniting. We have been following eachother for a while and Stefania proposed a collaboration on a rug featuring her artwork, I jumped at the opportunity. I am a big fan girl of her sculptural art work and all I have to say is that it was serendipitous how our paths crossed during my Italian holiday. Stefania graciously arranged a private tour of her captivating art exhibition in San Quirico d'Orcia, housed in a converted church turned museum gallery. Witnessing her art juxtaposed against the backdrop of that ancient church was amazing. I have a deep appreciation for the fusion of contemporary and old elements in design! The exhibition titled "Comfort Zone" begins with a large birdcage outside the museum, featuring a hanging neon sign that reads "You are the key" with a mirrored bottom, encouraging us to reflect and contemplate our comfort zone. Where Stefania and I happily took selfies together.
Selfie of Stefania and I
The concept of the Comfort Zone represents freeing oneself from false securities that can confine us in life. By navigating through the four phases presented in the exhibition - the comfort zone, the zone of fear, the learning zone, and the growth zone - one can liberate themselves from these false securities and discover what truly resonates with them without fear.
Upon entering the exhibit, you see a sizable claw machine brimming with "pharmacy tinctures," each labeled with distinct feelings. This display starts the learning zone and is called Fast Solution. It prompts us to ponder the notion of resolving our issues through medication, only to realize that it merely masks our unease, teaching us that quick fixes are not effective in the long run.
Fast Solution 2024
The upcoming art installation will lead you to a large dumpster filled with garbage resembling Stefania's Lex Italica pieces (which we will get into later, but I am obsessed).Representing dreams or ideas that didn't happen or ideas/dreams that were pursued after but didn't turn out as expected. Stefania believes that every form of artistic expression is a valuable component of learning and development. "BY TAKING CARE OF ART, YOU ARE ALSO TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF." This signifies to me that there are no errors or failures, only opportunities for growth and evolution through learning. When you prioritize what matters to you, you are essentially looking after yourself. This exhibition is a part of the process of growth.
Take Care Of Art 2023
As we step into the next exhibit comfort zone, well, it speaks for itself. A coffin lined with plush toys and because everything sounds better in Italian: Le zone di comfort sono barre foderate di peluche, e quando rimani nella tua bara foderata di peluche, muori. (Stan Dale) In a nut shell if you stay in your comfort zone you might as well be dead, its like your in a coffin lined with plush toys.
Comfort Zone 2024
As we journey through her exhibition, we witness how her artwork evolves into Lex Italica. Lex Italica are her extraordinary art sculptures that are absolutely stunning. Lex Italica brings a sense of familiarity to me, almost like ancient vases transformed into contemporary, haunting art.
It turns out that her parents are antique dealers, and her passion for antiques is evident even in her ultra-modern aesthetic. I have never come across anything quite like her pieces, and it would be an understatement to say that I am a huge fan of her work.
Lex Italica 150x90cm
Lex Italica
Stefania and I
Stefania and I share more similarities than I initially realized. Prior to pursuing art full-time, she worked as a lawyer, mirroring my own journey of transitioning from nursing to my true passion, design.
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a lot of things. Personally, stepping out of my comfort zone was the fear about starting a new career and being vulnerable. Every day brings its own set of challenges and if it's not a bit scary, then is it really worth it in the end? Sometimes, we discover our true passions later in life, and I really connected with Stefania, her story, and her art exhibition. Super pumped to announce that Crown The Cool and Lex Italica will be teaming up on a rug collaboration coming out in the next few months! Till then CIAO AMORE.
XOXO,
E
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