When thinking about which direction to choose, regarding the objects themselves, I decided to make magnets, as they were something my family used to collect when my brother and I were quite young. Upon deciding on magnets, instantly I knew themes of home, and family would inform the content of my artist multiple. When I think of my family, I think of them as a system (a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network) of support ( source of security, comfort, assistance, or encouragement). In terms of construction, I decided to go the route of textiles. Though not typically considered sturdy, or “supporting,” I have lately found solace in my embroidery hobby, with a thread, some fabric, and a needle. Funnily enough, I realized that magnets themselves act as a literal support system to the memos, photographs, and various items they hold secure to a surface.

In this difficult time of social quarantining, support systems become all the more relevant. Whether it be a new hobby or passion, your family, or your chosen family, everyone needs support. Let these artist multiples be a reminder to virtually check in on your loved ones, and to support high-risk individuals by staying home. Thank you all for a wonderful semester, I wish you much love, health, and safety.

Isabella De Tullio

PS I apologize for the dirty, gross fridge in my student house.

These are the routine breakfasts of 45 seniors who live and have lived at the retirement home where I work. Almost exclusively enjoyed at home, breakfast is the most personal meal. It tells a lot about a person, way beyond their likes and dislikes. Through routine morning interactions, I have committed all of these orders to memory, and have written them down, once again like clockwork, for my portraits of these elderly residents. I am able to bring their meals, no longer needing to ask for their orders. By doing this I know that all of these lovely people feel seen, known, and understood. It is this understanding that compelled me to create these portraits in this manner.

Isabella De Tullio

Conceptual Portrait

(please click on the link as if you scroll through the photos straight from the blog, not all of them load, and their intended order is lost)

I find delight in the sound of vacuuming up dirt and crumbs. So, I wanted to further explore this delight by experimenting with the vacuuming up of various different objects.

Isabella De Tullio

By Chawntay Barrett and Isabella De Tullio

Little Denim

Stretch Denim