Photo by Michael Blair
MBlair@News-Herald.com
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Reprinted from The News-Herald, March 8, 2006 Silk makes a great canvas |
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| Janice Lombardo began her business, Silkcessories, with $1,600, some silk and some dye. The artist handpaints silk items, such as scarves, men’s ties, umbrellas and parasols, sun catchers and earrings. No single item is exactly the same. “I built my own frames and my own displays,” Lombardo said. A specialized display, which is easy to assemble, shows off her inventory of 300 to 400 scarves during local art shows. Her background in retail marketing gives an edge when it comes to the display and sale of her items. But she takes the greatest joy from teaching the art of silk painting to others. “I have found a great facility in helping others connect with their creative side.” Lombardo explained. “I thoroughly enjoy teaching and sharing the pleasure of silk painting.” She is a lifelong Wickliffe resident and a 1980 graduate of Wickliffe High School. She serves as a substitute teacher for grades kindergarten through eighth in the Wickliffe Public Schools. “I have two children, Michael is 13 and Karah is 9,” she said. Her husband, Jaime, is a graphic designer and has helped her design business cards and the Web site www.silkcessories.com. Lombardo and husband knew each other in high school, but never dated until the two met again at Ohio State University. “I find the painting therapeutic,” Lombardo said. |
Lombardo has hosted classes at local art galleries and adult education classes at many of the community centers. “Home parties are also available,” Lombardo said. “I’ve taught kids from 8 to 80.” Her inventory also includes beaded scarf slides. “I make these so you don’t have to tie the scarves,” she explained. The slides, with no sharp edges to damage the delicate silk, are made of beads and silver, copper or brass wire. “The ideas have been screaming to get out,” Lombardo said of the various designs of her scarves. Time spent on one shawl can range from six to eight hours. Lombardo comes from a creative family. Her father, Francis Lamm, and brothers and sisters are all musically talented, playing trumpet, clarinet and saxophone. Lombardo herself was in the choir. Her mother, Ruth, is credited with having the most artistic talent of all, she said, that of being an enthusiastic audience. Lombardo learned the art of silk painting with her aunt, Irene Bottinelli of Wickliffe. She introduced her niece to the art in 2002. “I love having the freedom to create wearable art.” Lombardo said. “My designs use bold colors and reflect the moments in life, nature, specific themes and abstract designs.” To contact Ms. Lombardo, call (440) 478-4326 or email her at janice@silkcessories.com. |