Monthly Archives: September 2021

Collage artist Philomena Marano tells a story that is both timeless and personal

SRQ Review | September 2021

Through André Fabien

In Visual Arts

Philomena Marano’s older cousin, Nora, used to drag her to their little corner of Bensonhurst as if she were some circus curiosity. “Phyllis,” as Nora called her, “draw a horse,” and she would. With a bottle in one hand and a pencil in the other, baby Marano crafted not a crude assemblage of shapes unrelated to a real horse, but a sketch of identifiable proportions that told a story. That same steady hand continued to pick up pens, pencils, markers and paintbrushes throughout after-school art classes, Manhattan magnet schools, and the illustrious Pratt Institute (where she campaigned for to be the very first “drawing major”, as she proudly says in her Brooklynese).

She then worked with Robert Indiana – yes, that Robert Indiana – helping him produce the prints that defined quite a pop art movement alongside product portraits of Warhol, American flags by Johns, and pop montages by Rosenquist. . It was during this time that Marano acquired the two most important tools that would define his career. The first was the notion that no object was too common or mundane to be creatively rendered. The second: an X-Acto knife.

“Robert was talking about getting in the car with his mom and looking at all the road signs,” Marano explains, “and he called them“ road literature ”. his own life and turned to the mythical, whimsical and distinctly American temple of entertainment known as Coney Island. Like many New York City kids, Marano grew up in bumper cars, roller coasters, spooky houses, snow cones, and ice cream. She grew up in love with colorful signage, fluttering banners, and the danger of parachute jumping. “There were archetypes embedded in the culture there,” says Marano, “she really had her own mythology. When she finally put all of these elements and tools together, she created Shooting Gallery # 2. Made from hand-cut paper, it depicts a carnival shooting range from within, rendering all of its gears and moving parts in the brilliant screen-printed colors of the Color-aid paper range.

While the piece captures his precision and attention to detail, his later works, like the American Dream-Land series, will gain in complexity and depth. Its process begins with a drawing. “Even though I cut paper, drawing is the root of everything,” says Marano, “everything depends so much on the lines, whether it’s a pencil or a knife.” She draws her image on vellum paper with a pencil, which becomes what she calls her “master tracing”. From there, she carefully traces the layers and colors of the room, starting with the background and slowly moving to the foreground, taking into account shadows, texture and color along the way. . Using the main path, Marano cuts each whirlwind of a cloud or roller coaster farm with the X-Acto knife, comparing it to the path to make sure each piece fits properly.

The full extent of this complex and tedious process takes center stage in I Hear the Brooklyn Bridge Singing, which is a view from the bridge’s central walkway. The texture of the steel cable in the foreground is distinguished by its careful representation of the cable braids. As the eye dives into the background through the arch, the trusses and windows of buildings stand out as particularly tedious objects with which she captures the depth of perspective in the scene.

Since moving to Sarasota in March 2017, she continues to celebrate the legendary iconography of Coney Island, but has added a new wrinkle to her. At a recent investigative collage exhibition at Ringling College, Marano featured works that depict The Nerveless Nocks, a family of Sarasota circus artists who travel with their motorcycles across the country. “It has a kind of excitement and mystery very similar to some of the Coney Island rides that I remember,” says Marano. In Vortex of Doom, Marano portrays a high-flying act seen from the ground, with blue skies and large white clouds in the background. In a sense, it captures the entirety of its approach. It is a scene of fantasy and majesty, danger and fun, rich colors and harsh lines, captured with love, thoroughness and with childish wonder on paper.

Harvest of the golden hour: Endless Blu asymmetric cutting culture in Marsala, $ 38; Modern Soul Boutique, 59 S Blvd of the Presidents, Sarasota, 941-650-6808, modernsoulboutique.com, @modernsoul_boutique; Hudson Remi high-rise cropped straight jeans, $ 205; Boutique T. Georgiano, 1409-B 1st St., Sarasota, tgeorgianos.com, @tgeorgianos; Beige and mink brown fringed cardigan, $ 129; Blend Fashion House, S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-552-9379, blendfashionhouse.com, @blend_fashion_house.

EXPOSED SHOULDERS

Needless to give the cold shoulder, exposed shoulders and necklines flatter any figure, with an element of flirtation and daring paired with class. Whether it’s a simple spaghetti strap crop top or a long sleeve cocktail dress, dare one off the shoulder, or both, with these bold but feminine neckline shapes. Revealing a hint of cleavage with a one-shoulder wrap top or off-the-shoulder silhouette proves to be the perfect balance of modesty and sultry for a Florida fall, especially when paired with a loose cardigan or sweater. a thick collar. gold trend.

Floral congratulations: Wide Brim Ivory Suede Braided Summer Hat, $ 34, Marmalade Surfside Boutique, 5129 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, 941-346-7263, @marmaladesurfside. Olive green floral print mini dress, $ 84; Fixxation Boutique, 1108 N Orange Ave., Sarasota, 941-467-3553, fixxationboutique.com, @fixxationbtq.

Sensual after sunset: Kaya black floral dress, $ 129; Black woven belt with resin buckle, $ 55; Blend Fashion House, 1913 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-552-9379, blendfashionhouse.com, @blend_fashion_house; Steve Madden Glow black leather boot, $ 130; Boutique T. Georgiano, 1409-B 1st St., Sarasota, tgeorgianos.com, @tgeorgianos. Fall Picnic Facility created and courtesy of Sarasota Alfresco, sarasotaalfresco.com, @sarasotaalfresco.

ASSORTED SETS

When did matchy matching become such a thing? Now a stylish must-have for a wide range of activities – from Netflix and chillin ‘with the boo to a business lunch with customers and downtown drinks with the girls – the matching sets have you covered (literally and in the sense). figured) for, literally, any occasion. Comfy loungewear sets provide all the comforts you need to sink into the sofa all day, yet chic enough to look “put together” enough to leave the house and run errands. The bold parallel color splash from top to bottom paired with the quality soft knit of these loungewear means you can basically experience your sweats day in and day out. When it comes time to classify it a bit, don’t miss out on a matching rhythm by opting for a “power suit” type look with a blazer and matching linen pants duo. This complementary business casual look lives at the intersection of conservatism and boldness, making color and fabric coordination from head to toe the key to achieving a must-have monochrome moment.

ATHLETIC WEAR

A fitting contraction of the words “athletics” and “leisure”, sportswear has played a major role in the resurgence of sportswear on the fashion scene. Combining functionality with a sleek minimalist design, it has become widely acceptable for people to wear the look in non-sporting environments. This trend, which supports moments of “transition” with leggings, biker shorts and other yoga pants, paired with flattering crop top style sports bras, can be worn anytime, no. everywhere and continues to go viral, reaching even high-end and luxury brands that want to be part of this niche segment. These simplistic and flexible sets serve up both fashion and function, so you’ll be ready to hit the John Ringling Bridge for a morning jog with your workout buddy while looking sporty while having a bite to eat afterwards. ‘Overton.

One with nature: Divides 59 Dream Techflex Bra on Fire, $ 74; High Waist Techflex Split 59 Dream Leggings, $ 114; Lotus Boutique, 1464 Main St., Sarasota, 941-906-7080, lotus-boutiques.myshopify.com, @lotusboutique; Lululemon 5mm Lavender / Teal Reversible Rug, $ 88; The Yoga Shack, 514 Central Ave., Sarasota, 941-681-8029, theyogashack.com, @yogashacklife.

Namaste in the van: Olive suede hat, $ 35; Blend Fashion House, 1913 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-552-9379, blendfashionhouse.com, @blend_fashion_house; Beyond Yoga Green Stripe Leggings, $ 100; Joah Brown Second Skin Tank Top, $ 76; Boutique T. Georgiano, 1409-B 1st St., Sarasota, 941-870-3727, tgeorgianos.com, @tgeorgianos; Lululemon 5mm Lavender / Teal Reversible Rug, $ 88; The Yoga Shack, 514 Central Ave., Sarasota, 941-681-8029, theyogashack.com, @yogashacklife. Refurbished Suncoast Vans, Ford Transit High Roof Elongated, White, suncoastvans.com, [email protected], @suncoastvans.

CORE CUTTINGS

Alluring but tasteful, the slender notches and slits open in the most flattering fashion. Cutouts of all geometric shapes show a preview of the upper abdomen / lower ribs to expose the often hidden area of ​​the core, providing a subtle flash of skin that adds just the right element of mystique to an outfit. This subtly revealing look is wearable and achievable for any body type – incorporating this artfully placed window against the skin in a continuous movement of body positivity – while providing a little extra ventilation on a hot Sarasota day.

Rural combat: Brown Fedora hat with studded leather band, $ 45; Combination after hours, $ 68; Blend Fashion House, 1913 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-552-9379, blendfashionhouse.com, @blend_fashion_house; Sanctuary Suede Combat Boot in Taupe Gray, $ 54; Motel Therapy, 532 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-260-2277, moteltherapy.com, @moteltherapy.

STATEMENT BOOTS

It’s time to put your best foot forward – we’re bringing the boots back, baby. The first sign of fall sensations in Florida means slippers are calling, even despite the lingering humidity. Whether it’s western-inspired cowboy boots, bold utility combat boots that touch the lower calf, textured crocodile skin or snakeskin textiles, or ankle-length silhouettes . paired with a heel or wedge heel boots are ready to catch your breath. And these were indeed made for walking – or rather strutting.

Fierce Campfire: Matisse coconut shoes fawn Over You ankle boot, $ 70; Blend Fashion House, 1913 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-552-9379, blendfashionhouse.com, @blend_fashion_house; Sanctuary Suede Combat Boot in Taupe Gray, $ 54; Dolce Vita Huey ivory crocodile-print leather boot, $ 140; Motel Therapy, 532 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-260-2277, moteltherapy.com, @moteltherapy; AGL Violanda Bootie in Oslo Gray, $ 470; Lotus Boutique, 1464 Main St., Sarasota, 941-906-7080, lotus-boutiques.myshopify.com, @lotusboutique. Steven’s Firewood Bundle of Firewood, 9833 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, 941-961-0814.

Local animal adoption centers see more animals than ever finding their furry homes

SRQ Review | September 2021

Through Grace Castilow

In the family

Guide dogs from the south-east supplies working dogs (guide dogs, assistance dogs, therapy dogs and companion dogs) to those who need them most. “These animals give people back their freedom and independence,” explains Muffy Lavens, the organization’s media relations manager. This metamorphic process begins the moment a client decides that a working dog will allow them to live their lives to the fullest. Once their application is approved, they meet with the staff to discuss their ideal dog. The personality and abilities of the dog and the owner are considered to favor this perfect match. Clients are then invited to Palmetto for training, both on and off campus, so their dogs can learn clues alongside them in real settings before returning home. “When you see a dog and a client meet for the first time on game day, it’s magic. The dog knows he is there for that person and a bond is formed instantly, ”she says. “This reinforces the importance of draft animals. The more we place qualified dogs with deserving people across the country, the more society becomes aware of their purpose. It is a learning process for everyone. Southeastern Guide Dogs also features on-campus experiences like Beyond the Dark, which give people a taste of what it’s like to be visually impaired or to be a veteran with PTSD.

4210 77th St. E, Palmetto, 941-729-5665, guidedogs.org, seguidedogs.

Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue

Launched in 2008 as a hospitality organization, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue has grown from finding homes for 60 to 2,000 animals per year; many of which have been abandoned or neglected. “The animals that pass through our shelter are lucky because people in our community can provide them with great homes,” says Dari Oglesby, who started volunteering 11 years ago with her daughter. She is now the CEO and her daughter is in vet school – a testament to how honoring Nate and places like this can profoundly change the lives of animals and humans. Every minor animal, pregnant animal or shy host enters a foster family while waiting to be adopted by their family forever. “We have host families who have saved hundreds of lives by opening their homes,” says Dari. For people who travel, work, or can’t afford a pet but love animals, fostering is the perfect process. Even before these animals are adopted, Honor works to find them the right home. “It’s all about animals, if someone wants to adopt an animal that is not suitable for them, we work with them, we redirect them and help them find their perfect pet,” she says. Everyone at Honor is there for one reason: to save the animals. And saving them is 7 days a week, 365 days a year. “There are rough days, but when you see an animal waiting to come out through that door, it’s worth it.” It’s no secret that those who love animals have big hearts and the number of people in our community helping shelters like Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue is inspiring.

8437 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton, 941-747-4900, nateshonoranimalrescue.org, @nateshonoranimalrescue.

Sarasota County Humanitarian Society has been looking after animals and placing them in their homes forever since 1952. Originally they could only house six cats and 48 dogs, but since they’ve grown bigger and declared themselves safe havens without killing, they’ve up to 250 animals on site every day. Caring community members often find and bring underage puppies or kittens that cannot be adopted until they have been spayed or neutered and are 12 weeks old (this is where the foster program comes in) . “We want these animals to live in a family environment where they can receive the care they need to become someone’s new best friend,” said CEO Anna Gonce. After 20 years in animal welfare, Gonce, like many of us, can’t say no to kittens (who are most at risk in traditional shelters). Since the beginning of October, she has bred a dozen litters of her own, all of which have found wonderful homes. “Pets play an important role in our lives. It’s a form of unconditional love, a best friend, a therapy animal, a playmate, ”she says. “When a person and an animal choose each other, this is where the magic happens.” And The Humane Society wants to participate in its realization. The organization has built a new facility that will allow the team to care for 900 more animals each year (there will be a grand opening later this month). “This new facility is a great place for our animals, but it’s not just that,” she says. “This represents our renewed commitment to the animals of Sarasota.”

2331 15th St., Sarasota, 941-955-4131, hssc.org, @humanesocietysrq.

Humane Society of Manatee County

With a second-chance adoption program and a veterinary clinic that served 13,500 animals last year, their executive director, Rick Yocum, has been rescuing animals – and people – since 2012. The average length of stay for an adult animal from another refuge, such as a surrender, or a stray is less than 40 days old. “It’s about being able to provide the best care for our animals, we are the Humane Society and we need to act on it,” says Rick. The Humane Society is in the business of twinning and their programs do just that. They match animals with adopters and help them learn more about the pets they are raising in their families. It’s a very personal process. They encourage potential adopters to bring pets home for a 4-day, 3-night sleepover. If it’s not a good fit, they can bring this animal back guilt-free and wait for a better match and if so, an adoption is in progress. “People often walk through our door expecting to leave with a pet and that’s not always the best way. It takes patience to find the right animal. Patience also applies when people bring an animal home, giving it time to get used to its new surroundings. They offer a senior program for seniors as well as an animal behaviorist to keep animals in homes and out of shelters. When they transfer animals, they do so locally. “There is a link between people’s health and having a pet,” says Rick. “It lowers blood pressure and gives people with mental illness a reason to get up in the morning, take a walk, and talk to other people.” Animals are truly our saving grace.

2515 14th St. W., Bradenton, 941-747-8808, humanemanatee.org, @humanenatee.

From the podium to the roundabout, Rahelia dresses the modern woman with a long, floor-length haute couture.

SRQ Review | September 2019

Through Brittany Mattie

In Shopping

When you’ve been in the fashion and makeup industry for over 30 years, like Rachel Durrani, you’ll likely be working closely with celebrities, finding yourself at photoshoots with creative figures such as Andy Warhol, and sitting next to the most popular trendsetters and buyers from Saks and Bergdorf Goodman at Fashion New York Week. Durrani has worked alongside the best of them, making a name for himself with his upscale boutiques, Rahelia, located on Madison Avenue in New York; in Westchester, NY; and Westport, Connecticut.

Now with a large downtown retail store on Ringling Blvd. roundabout, Rahelia brings SRQ to New York level with prom dress brands you don’t see going in and out of department stores or clothing chains. “I am never influenced or convinced by other buyers. I buy for the real woman, not for the models, ”she says. “It means I watch how the fabric falls, how it moves and feels. I won’t buy it unless I believe it will accentuate and flatter all body types and women of all ages. Durrani has established a rolodex of connections since his time in New York City to bring high-fashion designer evening wear to the hanging shelves of his shadow box closets built into the walls of his store. You won’t find your typical David wedding dress at Durrani, nor will she try to sell you a dress for sale. “There is a psychology in fashion design: understanding someone’s needs, personality and lifestyle is important in dressing them for a special occasion and feeling their best,” she says.

With over half a million dollars in inventory, including designers such as Versace, Oscar de la Renta, Elie Saab and more, Durrani not only personally finds his customers a suitable floor number for the season of gala, black tie events or weddings, but will style them from head to toe if they’re looking to accessorize themselves with coordinating scarves, shoes and jewelry as well. “I get a lot of mother of the bride and groom customers desperate to find a dress that doesn’t look ugly or ‘old’,” she says. “No woman wants to feel uncomfortable at her son’s wedding; to Rahelia, they won’t have to.