Since falling hard for the work of Maryanne Moodie, and with weaving in general, wool-on-wool action seems to now be everywhere. Even Ortigia… On a recent visit, I discovered that the charming Sicilian island – with a kick-ass food market and history of craftiness – was on perched high on the weaving bandwagon in a super-contemporary way. Most so as seen here.
This is the atelier/shop of Alessia Genovese – a vintage emporium/haberdashery/mini museum with a bizarre but beautiful mix of weathered doilies, rusty pots, retro eyewear, skeins of hand-dyed yarns and the work of Alessia herself.
Via my very broken Italian and the efforts of the lovely woman in the atelier, I believe that this piece is an homage to local craftsmanship and the industries that Ortigia is famous for. The wire metal base is woven with leather strips and crocheted strands, vintage measuring tape and copper. It really is a striking piece.
If you’re lucky enough to be anywhere nearby, visit the atelier at via dell’Apollonion 5, via Mirabella 23 Ortigia, Siracusa.