Textile Forum Magazine (website)
Selected artist for the "LACE ART" issue (No. TF 3/2010).
XIV International Lace Biennial in Sansepolcro, Italy (website)
The new work "Divine Beauty: a Tribute to Sandro Botticelli" will be exhibited at the international competition/exhibition.
The XIV Biennial is dedicated to Alessandro Filipepi, called ‘the Botticelli’ in the 500th anniversary of his death in Florence 1510.
The theme of the edition is ‘beauty of the soul and beauty of the body.’
Opening Ceremony: Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Artist’s statement:
Sandro Botticelli’s art has significantly influenced my work. He was one of the first artists to paint gold lace decoration on garments; therefore his paintings are invaluable for my research of early metal laces. Lace was painted in such exquisite technique, that it is possible to trace many original patterns of braided laces in a minute detail. I haven’t found any written records about gold bobbin lace from that time, thus Botticelli’s work has remained an essential source for my lace work.
I fell in love with his paintings not only because of lace. I have also found great inspiration in the way Botticelli portrayed women in his paintings. His ability to capture female inner beauty and strength is awe-inspiring. Loving and compassionate gaze of his Madonnas and goddesses reveals deep spiritual dimension with radiance that has not been surpassed by any other painter. Botticelli’s genius gave form to Dante’s poetry – Beatrice became alive in his paintings and brought Divine Love to earth.
I have been inspired to create an original lace work that celebrates women in Botticelli’s paintings. I borrowed a breast shield from Camilla (Minerva), wreath of flowers from Primavera, braids from Simonetta, pose from Venus and aura from Madonna – and created a work “Divine Beauty”. It is my tribute to the great master of the Italian Renaissance, Sandro Botticelli.