My studio mates Beryl, Buffalo Girl (aka Buffy) and Calamity Jane.

Lisa Del Monico decamped from Houston in 2005 to live on 650 semi-abandoned acres in an old split level ranch house in serious disrepair and make art. Lisa lived in the Southeast Texas woods for five years and learned how to weave beads, surrounded by her cats, dogs, cows, deer, scorpions, beaver, wild pigs, and many, many trees. In the process, she went on a journey into the woods and became something else entirely.

She arrived in Santa Fe in pursuit of an Art Therapy degree at Southwest College, and currently has an Art Therapy practice in Santa Fe. Lisa’s focus as a therapist and an artist is hope, community, and promoting the healing nature of art.

Artist Statement

With my work I hope to add my voice to the ancient traditions of human adornment and feminine art. I use pure metals, stones, antique bits, bones, gems, and glass in my work. Nature is my muse, and the textures, colors, and shapes of the natural world are my inspiration. I perceive my bead weaving as an isomorphic relationship with the elements of the universe, inner and outer, tangible and imagined. My creations bring beauty, symbolism, and ritual into everyday life. By employing diverse layering and a multitude of weaving techniques, I aim to create depth and luminosity in my wearable art and sculptures.

My collection, “Weapons of Mass Ornamentation” arose in 2018 from the weight I was holding regarding the state of Earth and her inhabitants. “Weapons” is my attempt at transmutation, or transforming objects from harmful to anodyne, turning poison to potion, and creating beauty from destruction.

My most recent series is an evolution of “Weapons of Mass Ornamentation” that I call “Spell Pockets.” These containers are functioning bags which bestow the act of transmutation on the wearer, as they can choose what is placed into the pocket. I have woven the “Spell Pockets” with gold plated glass beads and semi-precious gems.

I hope that you enjoy my work.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

November 2023


contact

lisadelco9@gmail.com