Working with artisans everyday can sometimes feel overwhelming. Their incredible talent, continuous creativity and intense focus on their craft is so stimulating that often it can take me time to process all of the emotions I have and motivation I feel. I have always been in awe of the creators and the creative process and the more I work with them that amazement grows. I have learned that creating is in their blood, they need to create as much as they need to breathe.
Isabel Pacini is no different. In fact, her flow of new designs, ideas and creations seem to know no limits. Her paintings caught our eyes the first time we saw them. They are bold and colorful while at the same time soft and gentle. Her handmade jewelry, one line inspired by her love for camelias, is fun, creative and easy to mix and match to create new looks with the several pieces. Her pieces definitely reflect how she sees the world as a constant source for inspiration.
Every time we spend time with Isabel she greets us with an optimistic smile, her enthusiasm for life and her work is immediately apparent. She is joyous and it is contagious. When you are around her you understand she sees life through joyous eyes, always finding inspiration and enjoying her life in Lucca Italy.
Artful Italia: You are both a painter and a jewelry designer. Which one came first?
Isabel: From the time I was little I always followed an artistic path, the art high school I attended made you discover different sides of art, drawing, painting, sculpture, and so let's say I was already studying painting from the time I was 13 until I was 18. After that, my dream was to be an “ interior designer,” so I went to a university in Paris and got my degree, but I always had the need for a more in-depth approach on design, not related to architecture but more specific on product design, so I went to another university in Paris and got another degree in “ design.”
Artful Italia: Why did you move to Italy and how did you choose Tuscany and Lucca?
Isabel: I have been coming here to Tuscany since I was a little girl, my dad was born in Lucca, so I always had someone from the family here, whom we came to visit almost every summer. Then I met during these vacations my current husband, and so I moved to Lucca permanently, now for more than 25 years. I went back to my roots!!!!
Artful Italia: What for you is the biggest contrast between French and Italian culture?
Isabel: I have always lived in the north of France where all things are more square, rigid, but at the same time very simple... in Italy even today, after so many years, I still haven't gotten used to it, I often find it complicated and complex in so many ways!!! I love it that way though, otherwise, it wouldn't be Italy!!!
Artful Italia: What is your connection with camellias? They are so important in your work.
Isabel: Camellias are so important to me, they have been my salvation !!! Now I will explain better. I got to know camellias through a wonderful person who lived near my house, in the Compitese area (Capannori -LU). She made me discover these beautiful flowers that fascinated me because of their diversity despite being all camellias. At that time I was not well, I was fighting cancer and was often alone at home, and I had this need to work colors. Painting camellias with their red, pink, and purple colors made me feel good...they had become my zen moments. Me, the canvas, the colors of life, my camellias...my moments of happiness!!!
Artful Italia: You have exhibited your paintings in many exhibitions. Which one has been your favorite? Why?
Isabel: Yes I have been lucky enough to exhibit my paintings in really wonderful places, in Italy, Switzerland and Germany. My favorite is definitely the last one I did in Germany at Pirna-Zuschendorf Castle, it was an exhibition in conjunction with a scientific exhibition on camellias and it was really very impressive!!! It was also the first time I exhibited both my paintings and my jewelry line that I had made on the theme of camellias...they were very well received by the Germans. Both the paintings and the jewelry were very much appreciated and some of them stayed there!!!! I can say that I have paintings in several private collections in Germany!!!!
Artful Italia: Where do you find inspiration for your jewelry creations?
Isabel: For me, everything is the result of inspiration, from the details of a building, to nature, to an ancient jewel, to the composition of a painting... Everything for me is a cue for a new creation... I call myself “compulsive,” because I am not able to go a day without creating something new!!!!
Artful Italia: What are your hobbies?
Isabel: I have painting and jewelry, they are already very challenging!!! But let's say anything where you need to use your hands are other hobbies for me, like sculpting, sewing, restoring a piece of furniture, etc.
Artful Italia: For people traveling in Italy, what are the places to visit?
Isabel: Tuscany is all beautiful to visit, from the most famous cities like Pisa to smaller ones like Monteriggioni... We have such a wide choice, from the sea, to the hills, to the mountains. For me, Tuscany is the most wonderful place in Italy with its little jewel of course the city of Lucca...
Artful Italia: What is one interesting thing we should know about you?
Isabel: My creations are constantly evolving because design study and research are my passion. You can see in my work the attention I pay to every detail, whether in painting or jewelry, as much as possible I use self-production, thus creating a combination of design, art and craftsmanship.
Over the next few weeks you will see more of Isabel's work added to our website. We can't wait to share them all with you.
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