During my days of exploring I couldn’t stop taking pictures of all the carvings and medallions, adorning even the most run-down of buildings. The framing, the decoration, the craftsmanship. It became clear to me I would take a break from my usual shells and pearls during my stay here and have Sicily’s architectural elements work their magic on me.

After sketching and reimagining, I created a medaillion of my own, a sort of coat of arms, something I would like to see carved on my door if I had a house here, this of course involved a swan.

I also pondered how to add the element of framing directly to the canvas - combining organic textural sculpting and painting.

Many days and evenings spent on the balcony or at the blue kitchen table in artistic serendipity.

And a small note from me (Matěj):

What began as a sketched Sicilian medallion has now found a new life beyond Casa Asmara. The swan she imagined here - shaped by balconies, baroque stonework and slow Sicilian days - has become a piece in her new jewellery collection.

Asmara Swan.
A quiet continuation of her residency, carried out into the world.