Artist Lois Goglia claims she has a travel gene: an unflappable curiosity about foreign places and differing cultures. This penchant has directed her to many parts of the world. The two places that impressed her most were San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, (which Goglia calls her second home) and Kenya, Africa. Visits to San Miguel de Allende, as well as other parts of Mexico, imparted a deeper understanding of Mexican religious beliefs and customs. Her month long stays, in San Miguel, in particular, inspired Goglia's Day of the Dead print series.
Goglia's penchant for travel brought her to Kenya to celebrate a special anniversary. In Kenya, the tour guide, Richard, asked Lois, who sings in the New Haven Chorale, to teach Jambo Bwana, a Swahili welcoming song to other travelers on her bus tour. Each time the group reached a new destination, the newly formed chorus sang this melody to their new hosts and hostesses. The Massai thought Goglia's ability to teach a song in their native language, Swahili, was magical.
The last evening in the Massai Mara campgrounds, these tall, narrow, Massai warriors regaled in traditional ceremonial garb and carrying spears, held a special ceremony to honor Lois. No one was more surprised than this artist when twenty or so Massai, presented her with a black and red wardrobe along with bracelets, a feathered crown, and a scepter.
In front of all visitors at Massai Mara campground the Massai spokesman proclaimed that because of her magical powers, Lois held the power and affluence of 500 cows (a Massai with 5 cows is considered wealthy). The highlight of this ceremony was to bestow Lois with the name Nesola, most powerful one. Goglia was flabbergasted by this unexpected honor.
Lois was well aware from her travels that many woman around the world did not have any power, or voice in making decisions about their lives. Furthermore, she knew that head covers are used in too many countries to "cover women up", to repress their femininity, and to keep them fettered to masculine dominance.
And so, when it became time to pick a name for her up and coming scarf company, Goglia named her company Nesola, "Scarves, designed for powerful women."
Click links below for artist website:
www.loisgoglia.net
Nesola Scarves are manufactured in the United States of America
Goglia's penchant for travel brought her to Kenya to celebrate a special anniversary. In Kenya, the tour guide, Richard, asked Lois, who sings in the New Haven Chorale, to teach Jambo Bwana, a Swahili welcoming song to other travelers on her bus tour. Each time the group reached a new destination, the newly formed chorus sang this melody to their new hosts and hostesses. The Massai thought Goglia's ability to teach a song in their native language, Swahili, was magical.
The last evening in the Massai Mara campgrounds, these tall, narrow, Massai warriors regaled in traditional ceremonial garb and carrying spears, held a special ceremony to honor Lois. No one was more surprised than this artist when twenty or so Massai, presented her with a black and red wardrobe along with bracelets, a feathered crown, and a scepter.
In front of all visitors at Massai Mara campground the Massai spokesman proclaimed that because of her magical powers, Lois held the power and affluence of 500 cows (a Massai with 5 cows is considered wealthy). The highlight of this ceremony was to bestow Lois with the name Nesola, most powerful one. Goglia was flabbergasted by this unexpected honor.
Lois was well aware from her travels that many woman around the world did not have any power, or voice in making decisions about their lives. Furthermore, she knew that head covers are used in too many countries to "cover women up", to repress their femininity, and to keep them fettered to masculine dominance.
And so, when it became time to pick a name for her up and coming scarf company, Goglia named her company Nesola, "Scarves, designed for powerful women."
Click links below for artist website:
www.loisgoglia.net
Nesola Scarves are manufactured in the United States of America
