If you’re an avid Studio T reader, you’re probably aware that our Tea designers draw inspiration for our prints and graphics from a myriad of sources, art and nature being a very popular one. In Italy, we found inspiration everywhere; in familiar places like museums and architecture but also in some new places, too.
Arte Sella is a magical land in northern Italy’s Sella valley, where art and nature intersect. Founded in 1986, this international exhibition of contemporary art features three-dimensional exhibits made completely out of naturally find objects like sticks, stones, leaves and branches. Our designers fell in love with Arte Sella. The park, which is set in a valley surrounded by the Italian Alps, is home to over 200 pieces of art made by artists from all over the world.
Our Arte Sella Flutter Top pays homage to Arte Sella and the geometric shapes we observed in one of the art structures.
Our designers spent time walking through the trails that lead you from one piece of art to the next. They came back inspired by the shapes and patterns they saw in the pieces but also in the story of the exhibit and how unique it is. Not only was this exhibit a beautiful site, but the story of growth and rebirth was inspiring.
![One of the things that resonated with our design team when they left Arte Sella was something their guide told them about how each person perceives the art differently from the next. To a child walking through the exhibits they might come to this site and see a honeycomb. The next child might see a sun or something else entirely different. Each person may react differently -- and that is truly the beauty of art.](https://i0.wp.com/blog.teacollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/S16_TripPic_JC_1_0045.jpg?resize=651%2C434&ssl=1)
![All the art pieces stand out in the natural landscape, but somehow still feel apart of the earth and surroundings. What makes Arte Sella so special is that these art works are a part of nature; they are made naturally and as time goes on and the natural elements break down the art, the materials will become one with the earth again.](https://i0.wp.com/blog.teacollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/S16_TripPic_JC_1_0008.jpg?resize=651%2C434&ssl=1)
![Our guide also mentioned how incredible it is to see Arte Sella throughout the seasons. One exhibit may take on a completely new look in the fall as it catches fallen leaves or in the winter where the snow may surround it. Our designers were there during the Spring where the light and the green surroundings offered clear views of the pieces and the beautiful forest and fields that surround it.](https://i0.wp.com/blog.teacollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/S16_TripPic_JC_1_0260.jpg?resize=651%2C434&ssl=1)
Want to learn more about the inspiration behind our latest prints and designs? Learn more here!