Romantique Automne/Hiver 2013

November 4 2013

Mes Amis:

For many (myself included), fall marks not the end of summer but the beginning of a favorite, savored time of year. While the daylight hours shrink, my creativity usually expands, and this year is definitely no different. The initial idea and palette for this collection sprang from a painting I completed three years ago (it appears on the next page). However, not only have I created a few additional paintings specifically for this collection, but also explored the myth of Persephone. Elements of her story animate the entire collection. While our modern sensibilities see little in the way of romance when it comes to Hades and the Queen of the Underworld, she was nevertheless a queen. Deeply saturated jewel colors, lush textures (from some amazing yarn) and of course plenty of candlelight all provide some of the romance Persephone seemed to have missed out on. I am once again so pleased to present these designs modeled by smart, funny, real women in Pacific Northwest fall weather conditions that presented challenges and opportunities. It poured quite heavily just prior to our location shoot at Warren G. Magnuson State Park (and the sky moodily reflected that fact) – so wellies with dresses marked the afternoon. We managed quite nicely, as I hope you’ll agree. Much like the energy from the cycle of death and rebirth which Persephone personifies, I remain thrilled to partake in the seasonal cycle of design, creation and publication. There is a wonderful freedom in making all of the decisions and seeing the vision come to life. It might not be for the feint of heart (or crochet hook) but, like Persephone’s myth, comes with its own unique - and fulfilling - set of rewards. Keep the cycle (and perhaps a cocktail) coming. And do watch what you snack on. Happy fall -

Denise, Voie de Vie

Persephone Two: Energy Beneath The Earth Acrylic on Canvas

10 x 10 2010

“ Eleusis was the sanctuary where one meditated on the mystery of the death and [rebirth] associated with the cycle of the seed that is planted and comes to fruition in the life-sustaining wheat. Persephone and her mother, Demeter, are personifications of the energies of this continuing vitality.”

The Way of Myth: Talking with Joseph Campbell Fraser Boa

Persephone Hood One Size Fits

Most Adult Women

New Wave Skirt Shown in size

26” waist

Moody Bleu Pullover

Shown in Size 34” bust Includes Tunisian 1x1

Ribbing

Ode to Demeter Acrylic on Canvas

18 x 34 2013

“Enna is the ancient seat of the cult of Demeter, the corn goddess, patroness of agriculture and the good harvest, bestower of fertility, the Mother. Together with her daughter Persephone she held all Sicily, the most fertile of the Mediterranean islands, in her protection, and her shrine stood on the top of the mountain on Enna, overlooking the wheat fields and the flowering plain where Hades (or Dis) galloped his black horses as he bore off Persephone, known to the Romans as Proserpine, to be his queen in the Underworld.”

On Persephone’s Island

Mary Taylor Simeti

Brix Coat Shown in second size

Forged Joy

Shawl

Channeling Gabrielle

Necklaces

Pommi and Pearls Shawl Includes Broomstick Lace

Lush Looped Scarf

Snacks in the Underworld

Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 24 2013

“Finally Zeus relented. He agreed that Hades should be made to give up his bride provided that she had not eaten anything in the underworld … unfortunately Persephone had swallowed … pomegranate seeds.”

Mythology: The Illustrated Anthology of World Myth and

Storytelling General Editor: C. Scott Littleton

Sur les plats:

Clockwise, from top right: Lion Brand Romantic and Amazing and LB Collection Wool Stainless Steel; Wonder Why Alpaca Farm Sportweight Alpaca/Merino/Silk, and Neighborhood Fiber Co. Capitol Luxury Lace; Red Heart Boutique Eclipse and Berroco Cirrus; Tess’ Designer Yarns Cultivated Silk and Merino; Tess’ Designer Yarns Cultivated Silk and Wool, and Silk and Ivory.

Thank You, Shout Outs, & Milles Mercis:

Test Stitchers

Erika Hill

Kimberly Davidson Keri Kennedy

Nicole Massenzio Cheryl Moore

Models

Stephanie Campagnia

Ceci Campagnia Grace Mason

Elena Speridakos

Makeup

For all designs photographed on location:

Ceci Campagnia

Yarn Companies

Lion Brand Yarns Neighborhood Fiber Co.

Tess’ Designer Yarns Wonder Why Alpaca Farm, LLC

Location

Persephone Hood, Brix Coat,

Pommi and Pearls Shawl (except cover and final photo), and New

Wave Skirt photographed at Warren G. Magnusson State Park

Credits I did or provided everything else not done by or provided from any person or entity in the left-hand column. All paintings shown in this preview were created by me.

Denise, Voie de Vie

This preview publication is for the sale of patterns for private, non-commercial use only. All words, images and content are copyright © Voie de Vie, 2013; all rights reserved. Any inquiry should be directed to voiedevie@gmail.com

Blog: http://voiedevie.blogspot.com Ravelry Pattern Store: http://www.ravelry.com/stores/denise-of-voie-de-vie-designs

Online Home Accessories Store: http://www.voiedevie.bigcartel.com/