Featured Artist: Michele Iacobucci
Michele Iacobucci moved to Hawai‘i Island 3 years ago, after spending 4 decades in the design industry in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area. She was drawn to work with this year’s Chinese zodiacal figure, the Rooster, because of its vibrant colors and significance in the Chinese calendar. Throughout the process, she has reflected on its deeper meaning and has been aware of how its essence has influenced her artwork. “The Rooster is our timekeeper,” says Michele. “He keeps us on purpose and schedule. His morning greeting awakens and encourages us to use our own voice in our life just as he does, each and every day. Roosters are confident and witty and full of old-fashioned gusto! These are some of the characteristics of rooster that inspired me to start this piece.”
“I appreciate the qualities of color and texture and what is not to love about the gorgeous, colored Rooster plumage! The vibrant colors, textured glass and reflective surfaces on my piece symbolize the energy and vitality of Rooster. The broad glass strokes of its tail feathers depict his whimsy and flamboyant personality. The playful, smiling grin on his face and the sparkle in his eye extend an invitation for the viewer to share in his joy in bringing in the New Year. He is thrilled for the celebration and ready to strut his stuff!” she adds.
Michele continues, “Each piece of glass is hand cut using a combination of tesserae, textured and mirrored glass. It felt appropriate to integrate contrasting materials in the form of disassembled metal jewelry pieces, for it drew upon their ancient alchemic powers to bring harmony and balance to the cut pieces of colorful glass. The Rooster wears his jewelry with pride!”
According to Chinese tradition, the rooster brings with it good fortune and prosperity. When the rooster enters our life, it means perhaps there is something more to accomplish.
“My studies in graduate school had an emphasis in art therapy, and the process in my mosaics of ‘piecing together’ the sum of fractured parts to create the whole has intrigued me not only as an art form, but also as a therapeutic process,” Michele says.
“The beauty surrounding me on Hawai‘i Island inspires me. I admire and have much gratitude for the winged creatures, the inhabitants of the sea, and the power and elegance of Madame Pele. I listen and look for all of the messages from nature.” “My mosaic medium is glass, broken pottery and even fabric depending on the criteria of the design project. I often use recycled items as the substrate for my work. My work can be enjoyed in the garden, lanai or home.”
“I enjoy experimenting with unusual materials, learning from my mistakes, employing magical thinking, innovating, and I thrive on creating and using my imagination. I believe in the ‘aumākua (spiritural guardians) and their guidance. Play and laughter are important parts of my day. I pride myself in being a great collaborator believing that art can heal,” says Michele.
Michele currently lives with her husband in Captain Cook.
Contact Michele Iacobucci: cre8magic.com
