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SPOTLIGHT ON ... DESIGNER
October 2008
Our featured designer for this month is Marie Badolato
This is such an incredible opportunity, to be chosen by Soft Flex Company, to share my Creations.
I have been asked to provide pictures of me in my workshop. Please don’t be confused, however, when you see pictures of me in nature. The universe is my workshop. It is my inspiration!
I guess I should start from a very early age. My mother, to this day I still don’t know why, bought me craft kits for every birthday and holiday occasion. They ranged from making dolls (corn husk or paper mache), to perfumery, knitting, crocheting, and painting. Oh, and there was the much loved “Easy Bake Oven”. It was frustrating that after all of my painstaking effort, my beloved oven creation was demolished with one bite from my brother's big mouth! There was my pottery wheel and more. I think the jewelry side really started to emerge when I began making fruits out of Styrofoam shapes, sequins and beads. I remember my family and friends watching me, saying to my mother, “The patience your daughter has!”
The real turning point, however, was when I received my Rock Tumbler. I was fascinated with what lie hidden beneath the rough exterior of that unappealing chunk of earth. I was fascinated that a little tumbling, OK - a lot of tumbling, would reveal such beauty. I was probably fourteen when I decided I wanted to become an Archaeologist.
I have always had a desire to learn. My mother said I was always asking, “Why? Why? Why?” I asked her to buy me a typewriter when I was only seven, she did. I guess I knew from an early age that I wanted to go to college for Business and Finance.
When I graduated, the only place I wanted to be was New York City! The lights, the energy – it was all so exciting! The sky was the limit. I felt like I could achieve whatever I wanted as long as I set my mind to it and worked hard!
I became a stockbroker. Obtained all of my insurance licenses, and participated to the fullest extent in the dizzying world of NYC. I loved the race. The sprint across the floor of Penn Station, trying to get to the other side without running into anybody!
I reached several pinnacles of success in my career. And then I found myself burned out.
I took solace in creating. Be it decorating my living space, wrapping a gift, cooking a meal or writing a song. Around this time, my brother gave me a small gift. It was just a few simple stones wrapped in a pendant-like amulet. It came with a small card titled “Seeds of Light.” As with any amulet, it was very powerful!
Something awoke in me that day.
I headed up 6th ave. and stopped in one of the bead stores around 38th st. I came home with a few hundred dollars worth of supplies. I began creating necklaces.
When I walked into my office my friend Carole would say, “Another one? Did you just whip that up?” She would say this as she threw her hands up in the air in disbelief.
I began searching out Organizations to join. Periodicals to subscribe to. I purchased books and videos. I signed up for hands-on classes, and began walking into every bead store I could possibly find on ground level in Manhattan. Too bad I didn’t know how many of them were located on the upper floors at the time. The shop owners would watch in amazement as I began laying out template designs with their supplies. They would say, “Don’t forget us. I know you are going to be famous some day! Make sure to come back and see us when you are.”
I worked with more and more of these beautiful objects. Mesmerized by the colors and the way that light reflected in each of these stones. I pondered the earth and the atmosphere that had created such incredible specimens.
I began studying geology and cosmology and visiting the Museum of Natural History. I stared in awe at the specimens they had on display. Many of them belonged to the NY Mineralogical Club. Yes, I am a member. I guess you can say I am officially a “rock hound”. After visiting galleries and mineral shows, I felt a great love for the raw, unpolished piece - the form created by Mother Nature. Untouched by the mechanizations of man.
I wore my creations everywhere I went: walking to the store, sitting in the diner, window shopping in Manhattan, street fairs in SOHO or in another jewelry designer's shop. People were constantly stopping me and complimenting me on my piece. Sometimes they asked for my card, which I didn’t have, I had no idea this was going to happen.
I felt the need to learn more about history and to travel. I knew it would be conducive to the inspiration I felt flowing through me. I wanted to learn about Native Americans, Shamans, Atlanteans, and Egyptians. I stocked up on books. Yes, I am a bookworm. I trekked off to metaphysical hot spots in Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California. I visited ruins, sacred grounds, cave and cliff dwellings.
I learned about healing temples made of stone, intuitive powers, and amulets of royalty. I learned about worship of the sun, moon, the four directions, the elements, and the power in quartz crystal. I felt that power when I was drawn to a specific Himalayan Crystal, sitting amongst hundreds of others. I picked it up and held it in my hands and every hair on my arms stood and my palms tingled with energy.
My pieces have been inspired by my love of nature (nature is so restorative), the mystery of the cosmos, ancient civilizations and intelligence, science, religion, sacred geometry, numerology, energy - and all there is!
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Keeper of Wisdom of the Age old Pines |
Unfold the Petals of your Life |
Life’s Purpose and the Will to Know |
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Light up the World |
Archangel Raphael |
Intuitive Bridge into the Unknown |
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Spirit of the Grandmothers |
Zin dad a |
Majik |
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African Jungle |
Dewdrops on Saturn |
Kaleidescope |
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Mayan Adornment |
Stylagtite |
White Indian Rose |
If copper can light up the world, why wouldn't it light your body (aura)? And on the note of Copper, I must make mention of my deceased father, who I lost when I was fourteen. He was also an Artisan. While not working as a plumber, he sought refuge in creativity. As I sit here writing this, I glance at a belt buckle he made out of a piece of hammered copper pipe. At times I feel as if his soul is living through me. There were so many techniques he could have taught me.
Last year I embarked on a totally new beginning!
I made a conscious decision to dedicate my time to helping the world to heal.
My previous career in investments and insurance was a wonderful addition to my life, it has prepared me for my move forward.
I have begun my certifications for Reflexology, Reiki and Yoga teacher training. I am planning on adding clinical aromatherapy and oriental medicine. I plan to have a wellness center in the near future, a space conducive to nature, peace, restorative health, and communing with the divine.
I have just moved to “Rock”ville Centre. Another calling in life. I shall create like the Creator! I hope you are as touched by the Earth’s beauty and its creation as I am. I thank the universe for bestowing upon me this special gift - drawing together nature's art to adorn our being with. May you feel the power and living energy in everything that surrounds you.
Namaste.
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Marie Badolato
.....also know as “EVE”
Earths Vibratory Energy
The Beginning of Time
Inspired by THE LIGHT!
516-655-7360 (cell phone)
Mbadolato1@optimum.net
“Rock”Ville Centre, NY
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