Atelier Carria, the name and signature. Maria, a friend and a very talented artisan. Our paths crossed last year when we had a chance to get to know each other in a deeper way in preparation of my wedding receptions in Italy. She is the mind and hands behind the little colorful bags of my party favors. The one that follows is her own flow of consciousness about her “crafty world”.

“I do love my crafty world and my  little atelier Carria in the countryside. I  started drawing and painting as a little  child. I used to carry crayons with me  everywhere I went. Then, when I was eight I decided to use the old black sewing machine (almost a spinning jenny) that belonged to my grandmother. I  actually loved sewing delicate and romantic lengths of lace which I put almost anywhere. That is how it all began. My apprenticeship  has not finished  yet. It is never too late to learn new techniques and it is always thrilling to work with  old and new materials.

Sewing bags and accessories is a very creative activity and the unlimited number of creations you can obtain depends on the depth of your sou. But I would not use the word ART  with such an extreme levity. Art is something different. It implies several experiences and in my opinion it depends on both natural attitudes and a long period of school education.

As for my main  activities (painting, sewing and creating flower arrangements) I think that having an  inborn attitude, a sort of a natural gift, obviously makes a huge difference. Anybody can improve his/her skills but style is a different matter indeed. If you wish to improve your skills you need to be a good silent observer. Nevertheless  the close observation must be followed by practice. A good  craftsman should have a personal style and should be very patient and  precise.

My production is wide and varied .When I use oil on canvas I need weeks and sometimes months to get to the end of a specific project. I have had a very experienced teacher ,educated in one of the most important and traditional Italian Schools of Art. He has taught me the old, classic techniques (drawing, gouache and finally oil) which require long times and  he has also devoted particular attention to the careful juxtaposition of different layers of shades and colours.

When I sew my bags and wallets I need an average of five, six hours for each  item depending on its  complexity.First I create a paper pattern, then I  cut out all the different parts of the bag: sides, top , bottom, handles or straps. Later I prepare the exterior  bag and the lining and I sew them together.

Everything we make is rooted in our personal history. Human beings  naturally take inspiration from the environment surrounding them. And I am no exception.”

Grazie Maria for this valuable testimony and for the love, care and time that you put in your work that made ours a memorable occasion.

 

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