It’s been a little while since our last Attributes column, but we’re back today with a gorgeous portrait-in-objects of one of our favorite designers, Maria Alexandra Vettese. Maria has unique, impeccable taste, which shows through in her styling, art direction, and photography work, just as in her personal projects. It was treat to read Maria’s description of the artifacts in her collection and learn a bit more about her take on art making. Thanks for sharing, Maria!
In another life I would have been the type of artist who works with her hands. I suppose I do work with my hands in some ways, and certainly when I take photographs, but I mean really down and dirty work with my hands. The kind of work where you feel the grit on your hands and your soul. I think this collection of items which paints my character shows just how much the tactile world means to me. I love holding something simple and somewhat common in my hands. And then in an instant something cosmic happens when I touch it … I know it has a life of its own and it is mingling with mine. The object becomes a part of my world and I become a part of its world. Each time I see these items in my home/studio I remember the moment we first came into contact. Love at first sight. I am grateful for the depth they give to my everyday life.
You can see two of my favorite mugs—one being an antique with a very tiny handle and worn out ink and one being a Karin Eriksson piece. Every holiday season I order a big box from Karin. I have quite a collection and so do my loved ones. This is a tradition I plan to keep for the rest of my days. Karin’s work really speaks to me. You also see wood and rocks from many a beach walk. I limit myself to one rock per walk if I indeed happen to see one that speaks to me. The pale grey one with seaweed attached is a particular favorite. It’s really stunning and I swear, even after all this time, you can still smell the ocean on it. Also among these treasures is a ceramic bell made by White Forest Pottery, a gift from one of my closest friends. I adore how unique it looks and feels. The most important item in this collection is the small porcelain bird. The piece is broken, actually, and I have just one half but still it’s one of my most prized possessions. This bird speaks volumes about who I am and where I have come from. I can’t tell you the story but I can tell you that one of the most important people in my life has the other half (which is another bird). —MAV
{Image above— Art Direction: MAV / Photography & Styling: Chloe May Brown}
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