Lives Creative – Silvia Filoni of I Lobe You
The westernised world we live in means we have everything on demand. We are really so well-off materially that it’s become not just easy but the norm to drop one gadget and collect the next bigger, better, brighter thing. And with the economic flatline here in Italy nowadays it’s easier to buy something cheap that has been mass produced – just look through the stalls on any market day in any Tuscan town. If 50% of it is Tuscan made, I’ll eat my hat.
I Lobe You Bijoux Artiginale is Silvia Filoni’s shop in Arcidosso, which exhibits the work of various artisans, artists, jewellery makers, knitters, glass sculptors and all-round creative people who call Monte Amiata home.
Silvia’s philosophy is that the true artisans and creators from the region should have a local space in which to exhibit, and she has created just that: “La Vetrina Degli Artisti” – The Artists’ Showcase. When you buy from her you’re not only purchasing a one-off piece and supporting an artist who believes in what they do, you’re also supporting crafts that are important to our region and the continuation of tradition and culture.
Silvia is passionate about what she provides for both for artisan and purveyor alike and she promotes a space that is a slow-makers haven in a throwaway society.
So, since she dedicates herself to showcasing work made by others [including myself] and for her dedication, let’s not forget that Silvia Filoni is a talented jewellery maker herself. The materials she uses include hammered aluminium and steel wire, precious and semi precious stones, and precious metal clay.
Her wrapped jewellery works are intricate and precise – I envy her perfect spirals!
You can follow Silvia’s blog here. Even if you can’t read Italian, Google will offer to translate it for you [albeit dubiously Googlishly].
*Photographs © Silvia Filoni
Find out about other Lives Creative of Monte Amiata – I’m adding to the list all the time. If you’d like to be featured here, please use the form below and I’d be glad to make contact with you and add you to our growing bank of creative people.
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A Presto,
Cheers and Ciao,
Ali 🙂
Image Alison Matteini ©
