Madeline Faiella

I was born in New Jersey, skipped the sixth grade and landed in high school early. I attended Arts High School in Newark. Arts High School required an entry exam with two majors available; music or art. I entered for music and later changed to art. That’s pretty much who I am in the creative realm; one or the other; or both. Thus, the name, JazzFuzion™ came to be. That's a new line of jewelry that I am featuring in addition to my work in the arts and the creative industry.

I live in South Florida where the ocean is beautiful and the palm trees make you want to swoon, however, I absolutely loved skiing in the Alps for many years, and I adore snow! Places like St. Moritz, Zermatt, Gstaad, Grindelwald and Arosa are just a few of the outstanding ski resorts that I frequented for many years. Absolutely breathtaking scenery and it’s different each and every day that you stand on the top of a mountain looking out at the view. Now that’s inspiring.

I remember skiing down a mountain and as I was approaching the bottom of my run, there was a nun in a black habit, walking across the mountain just as nonchalantly as could be. It was an amazing sight. I was so upset not to have a camera, but that vision lives in my mind forever. I may paint it one day!

Of course, I lived in the great states here as well and in some of the greatest cities in the world; New York (where I attended college), Chicago (one of my favorite cities), and Las Vegas, Tahoe and Reno. There was Santa Fe, San Diego, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and so very many more. But you know, I have never been to Boston! I would love to visit Boston and Seattle. I have missed lot of what I want to see. It’s a big world and much of it is in our back yards.

There are a myriad of things that interest me and I don’t believe anyone ever hears me say I’m bored. My mind is constantly moving in all directions with visions of new things to make, paint or write. During times when my muse is at rest, I enjoy watching movies, dining out, stimulating conversation, and fun, fun, fun! I have a great sense of humor and I love to laugh but my sense of responsibility runs deep. Happily, I apply that to my products and services because I believe I have an obligation to my clients to offer them the best of me and my expertise.

When I was singing (now and then I will accept a contract for an overseas jaunt), I gave my all every time I stepped on that stage and I apply that credo to my art. I’ve been like that from the time I picked up a crayon at as a young girl.

I have done so much traveling in my more than two-decades as a professional singer, vocalist and performer, that I have enjoyed being around the home front for the last few years. Working as a professional designer in the craft and hobby industry does bring travel. In fact, it can keep you traveling all year long if you have such a schedule.

Being in one place makes it a lot easier to do more artwork because I have a small studio setup. I work in watercolors, acrylics, collage, polymer clay, wood, and just about anything that entices my interest. I paint, sculpt, and create. I have also worked with furniture. I sew very well because I learned from my Mother who was a tailor and seamstress and pattern maker. I sewed and patterned many designs in the past. I even went as far as costume design for stage and made a lot of my own pieces for shows. I would sell clothing to make money to help pay for art school but I never gave it much thought beyond that. Sewing is not one of my favorite things to do. Making the patterns was actually more fun. I can spot a bad hem a mile away and usually it’s on my own clothes! You know, the cobbler has no shoes? She chuckles!

I am currently working on a design for a coffee table. It’s fun because it’s somewhat interactive as I am collecting a single element from people supplying it. As soon as I can get to it, I will have the pieces of wood cut; this is going to be a large table. I’ll post it as soon as I begin working the actual piece.

I work with manufacturers, editors, and publishers and with the onset of the jewelry line, I may also move in some other directions as an extension of my products.

It's going to be interesting and there is a lot to do, so I am going to get back to work and we'll visit again later. It will be nice to get to know you as well!