Prepare to be
Dazzled By Deborah Stone Photos Carolyn Wright
S
ilk Road has been a fixture on San Francisco Street since 1998 when owner Mohamed Sassila opened its doors. The business has thrived over the years due to Sassila’s hard work. Locals and tourists alike visit for his extensive selection of rugs. “I have rugs from over 10 countries – Turkish and Persian ethnics,” he explains. “There are antiques and collectibles, as well as new, and they’re made of wool, silk and cotton using original herbs and natural dyes. And because they’re made with organic dyes, they don’t fade or bleed.” Walking into Silk Road is akin to indulging in a rich sensory experience. Colors of every hue meet the eye, along with a variety of textures and patterns. Everywhere you look, rugs are spread out in kingly fashion on the floors or displayed on the walls like paintings in a museum. But then you notice the dazzling lamp shades on the chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. They’re the work of artist Ulla Darni, a native of Denmark who has been called the “New Tiffany” because of the caliber of her talent and the exclusivity of her art. Darni, who studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, initially came to the United States to pursue a celebrated acting and singing career, but it was painting that kept her here. Her pastels and oils on canvas gained immediate recognition and she was awarded numerous prizes, as well as entrance into several prestigious art clubs. Then, fate intervened in the form of an art dealer who presented her with LEFT Mohamed Sassila, owner
an old Handel lamp blank and asked if she could paint flowers on it. The rest, as we say, is history. Darni began creating hand painted lamp shades on specially designed iron and bronze bases, forged by European master craftsmen in Old World tradition. Each shade is made of free-blown glass and hand painted “in reverse” by Darni. The designs range from romantic florals and landscapes to whimsical aquatics and lush nature scenes. Horses figure prominently in some, while others feature alluring abstract designs. “Ulla” lamps are in museums, hotels, galleries and private collections around the world. They are sought after by royalty and celebrities alike, who clamor for the unique pieces. Sassila has been carrying Ulla’s work since 2009, though he has known the artist for more than 10 years. “We met when she came into my store to buy rugs and we’ve been friends ever since,” he says. “She used to have a gallery here in Santa Fe, but it eventually closed. I’m the only place in town that sells her work now.” Sassila describes Darni as a highly creative, very intelligent and spiritual woman. He adds, “She has a wonderful heart and her art is a reflection of how she sees life. Her pieces are beautiful, and they add to my business; oriental rugs and chandeliers go well together. They create a wonderful home atmosphere in the store.” Silk Road Collections 112 W. San Francisco St. #110 505.989.9497 www.silkroadcollections.com