The Art of Sicilian Storytelling with Idda Studio
New York-based creative Gabriella Picone founded Idda Studio as a tribute to her deep roots of Mediterranean heritage and her love of painting. As a small collection of textiles, ceramics and paintings, Picone focuses on the functionality and quality of her materials through ethical sourcing and hand-painted details.
Tell us a little about you and your journey
“I grew up between New York City and the Eolian island of Lipari in Sicily. I had a creative upbringing and was immersed in both American and Italian culture which had a huge influence on me becoming an artist. After studying painting at RISD and working in the artworld, in 2019 I started Idda Studio, a design studio focused on painterly textile and ceramic artworks. “Idda” means her in Sicilian dialect and I created the studio as a way to celebrate the powerful women I know in my life. So much of my work is about telling stories and interpreting the traditions and decorative arts of Sicily. Through Idda Studio, I create one of a kind and limited edition pieces that strive to translate these traditions.”
What are some of your materials and design concepts behind the pieces you create? Do you prefer using functional art as a way of showcasing your work and ideas versus traditional wall art?
“I’ve always drawn since I was very young and am a painter at heart. I wanted a way to bring my paintings to life and love the versatility of fabric. What excites me is how my fabric can bring people together, like the tablecloths that create a setting to gather and eat or the pareos that can be used to relax on the beach with friends. My fabric works are a translation of my paintings and a way to make the pieces more functional and accessible. To create the textiles, I first make a painting to scale on paper and then scan, edit and print in Italy on high quality and ethically sourced fabrics. Because the pieces are all limited edition they function as both rare works of art and designs that have purpose.”
What would you describe as your favorite style, period, era?
“My work is very much inspired by history and I often start projects by researching and sourcing historical references. In my studio I collect images and rare books of Ancient Greek and Roman art, mythology, traditional Sicilian cooking, Baroque architecture and Italian cinema from the 60-70’s. I am very inspired by both classical art and Italian pop fashion, art and music.”
Where do you feel you bridge the gap when creating your own contemporary artistic versions of classical Sicilian storytelling?
“I think that right now there is an inherent interest in craft and tradition in design. With so much that’s being mass produced in the world, there is now an appreciation of special objects that are handmade. When I’m Sicily, I spend much of my time visiting with artisans to learn about their craft. For example, meeting with the local ceramists to hear about how they fire clay, cooking with a family friend that makes the most ornate Sicilian pastries or listening to rare stories in Sicilan dialect that can’t be found in books. For me what’s more important in my practice is celebrating these traditions by keeping them alive.”
What have been some of your favorite projects with Idda studio thus far?
“I am really excited about the new Idda Studio summer collection that just launched on my shop which includes limited edition homeware designs such as tablecloths, pillows, napkins and scarfs all made in Italy. I also love collaborating and working on special projects. I am currently creating a collection of bespoke textiles for a private event as well as a series of wallpaper designs and hand-painted murals for private residences. It’s so fun to be able to see my work come alive in a living space.”
Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
“I see myself continuing to split time in Sicily and in New York and fully setting up a studio in both places. My dream is to open a shop in Sicily with a ceramic facility in which I can create and sell ceramic and textile designs as well as host artists for a residency. With Idda Studio, I plan to expand into more homeware design and continue to work on custom interior design projects. I also hope to continue to meet artisans to learn more traditions and crafts as well as collaborate with female artists who have stories to tell of their own cultures.”
