007 · Grief

On loss, food, nostalgia, and holiday shop updates.

Oct 31, 2023

I ~ GRIEF

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tragic events that took place in Maine last weekend and the heaviness and uncertainty we are facing today while witnessing painful world events. My heart aches for all affected, in any way, by the Lewiston shootings and my heart aches for the people of Gaza. In this moment, I want to acknowledge what a privilege it is to use this platform to encourage continued action and awareness surrounding the ongoing genocide happening and the collective grief we all share.

I have never thought of my work as inspired by grief. When I think of grief, I envision a big heavy gray cloud. You have probably been following along long enough to view my art as playful, fun, and vibrant. At least, that is how I view it as its maker. Yet, lately I am starting to notice the way my grief seeps into my work.

In July, I wrote about processing my grandmother’s eventual passing. As she struggles with her health and my biological family adjusts to care for her, I have been thinking about her life, her memory, loss, and all the ways she walks with me every day.

My Nana always made it a point to list the name of tomato used in her recipes, to pop a bottle of champagne at every holiday dinner, and to sip on her favorite vermouth in the evening.

There is no way for me to illustrate food that doesn’t involve going back to my formative memories and, lately, thinking about food and my Italian heritage brings me closer to my Nana than ever - her handwritten recipes on silly stationery are some of my most prized possessions.

This next shop update is dedicated to and inspired by her, my heritage and our happy memories together. You can expect food illustrations and stickers, stationery to scribble recipes and love notes on, keychains, holiday cards, and more.

II~ UPDATES

My shop will re-open on November 13th at 6PM EST. Set your alarms and be sure to visit my site and shop all the new arrivals and returning faves then!

Here’s a sneak peek of just a few new goodies that will be for sale:

If you are interested in wholesale or stocking these products in your retail store, please email hello@melandrel.com or find me on faire.

In the meantime, you can purchase new glow-in-the-dark ghost stickers in my shop. Happy Halloween! They ship free!

Shop Ghost Stickers

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III~ SHOW/TELL