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Vision Cafe
Art, Sustainability and Fashion
by Janese Maricelli-Thomasson
Photo by Dianne Lopez
My love for art grew out of learning to love myself.
As a young adult, like many in this world, I struggled with coming to terms with myself and exactly what my purpose in life was. I knew that I enjoyed people and nature and that one day I wanted to be in a position to increase environmental awareness in some way.
It was in a botany class that I met my husband, best friend and mentor, Carter Thomasson. Carter taught me about art. He explained to me that art is everywhere and that anything could be turned into art.
In 2003, I discovered something new and exciting in terms of self-expression. My days were filled with dumpster diving and chatting with junk collectors in hopes of the ultimate find: an artistic element! Carter and I would build sculptures of miscellaneous things and paint old pieces of plywood for fun. Each day was seen as an exciting new experience.
Through my art I began to find myself. The release of stress allowed me to sustain my mental and physical well being. I immediately found clarity in my goals and aspirations. I am an artist, I thought. Art makes me happy.
Since then, I have dabbled in several mediums, but fiber art is where my true passion lies. I love the concept that a single piece of fabric can say and be so much. Sewing two pieces of fabric together does not define fiber arts. And I am not limited to traditional fibers, such as cotton or silk.
I began tearing down and reconstructing vintage clothing while adding a touch of redesign. I added rescued elements into the garments, such as chain and wire. This became a first rate way to recycle materials into clothing or works of art.
In 2005, after much encouragement from friends, family, colleagues and peers, I decided to launch a custom clothing line. Because my husband and I make such a great team and he is truly my inspiration, I slammed our last names together and named the business Thomasscelli.
Thomasscelli represents a state of mind. It is a unique blend of eclectic and bohemian flavors pulled together with TLC, Scraps, and Profanity. Each piece is hand-crafted from 100 percent recycled materials. In every piece you will find simple imperfections that are a part of hand-made artistry and you will never see another piece like it.
A spin-off of the vintage reconstruction is sentimental reconstruction. Just as the title suggests, your old, gently worn fabric can be torn down and rebuilt. This makes perfect since for those of us who feel the need to hold on to sentimental pieces of clothing or an old baby blanket. Now they can be redesigned into today’s fashions.
I now produce about 100 new pieces per year. By taking vintage and found materials and reforming them into functional, stylish and wearable art, I am dramatically reducing waste and improving our environment, thus sustaining us all in mind, body and earth.
Janese Maricelli-Thomasson has a strong sense of self and extreme confidence in her beliefs and lifestyle. She creates pieces for both the retail fashion world and for peace of mind. Check out www.thomasscelli.com or contact her at janese@thomasscelli.com or 760.420.6247.
Christian Science Reading Rooms Celebrate International Open House
The first Christian Science Reading Room was established in 1888 by Mary Baker Eddy to make her groundbreaking book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, more widely available. This seminal book on the Bible and spiritual healing established her as the leader of the worldwide Christian Science movement, which includes church members, lecturers, teachers, and healing practitioners.
Today, there are more than 1,500 Christian Science Reading Rooms in over 80 countries serving their communities by offering books, publications, and other materials for the exploration of spirituality, prayer, and health. These stores are open to the public and welcome people of all faiths, backgrounds, and ways of life.
The Christian Science Reading Room in Encinitas, CA will join with other reading rooms around the world for an International Open House April 16 to April 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Of special note is a lecture by teacher and healer Eberhard Lascch, CSB, on April 18 at 3 p.m. Lascch will discuss Human Problems-Spiritual Solutions in Spanish, and will speak in English April 19 at 4:00 p.m. at the Encinitas Community Center.
This special Open House weekend is enhanced by the launch of the new weekly edition of The Christian Science Monitor, founded by Mary Baker Eddy. The new edition will continue to deliver the thoughtful, in depth, global news that has characterized the Pulitzer Prize–winning news organization over the last 100 years. Each issue will help readers connect the dots on pivotal events and emerging trends around the world, and include special coverage of key topics such as the environment, innovations that improve lives, and global financial trends.
The Monitor’s new weekly edition will complement the daily coverage available at www.CSMonitor.com. The first issue of The Monitor’s new weekly edition will be available for purchase in Christian Science Reading Rooms.
Guests during the Open House weekend are invited to browse, ask questions, and take advantage of the spiritual resources available in the Christian Science Reading Room.
The Christian Science Reading Room is located at 514 Second St. in Encinitas, CA. For more information, call 760.753.4545. To get a listing of worldwide Christian Science Reading Rooms, please visit www.ChristianScienceReadingRoom.com.