A lot of people are drawn to Seattle because of its northern weather. Mild summers and cold and wet winters are attractive to certain people who shun the blinding sun, and love wandering through deep misty lush forests. The city of Seattle and the regions surrounding it hearken back to a time when the world was more of a marvel to behold than it was a pile of resources to be exploited. In those times, items were useful, fashioned from natural materials, and built to last harsh environments. Viking raiders for example needed practical tools and clothing that would survive over long journeys at sea and in adverse climates. The Old Norse styles and Viking metal are making a comeback these days and you can’t throw a stone without hitting a guy wearing leather bracers and a Mjölnir pendant. What about the ladies? What can the ladies wear to the Amon Amarth, or Heidevolk concerts? Anita Arora has got you covered with her brand SIGIL. Anita personally hand forges a number of quality items from leather bags clasped with bones, to New Zealand deer hide cuffs, lined with rabbit fur and adorned with deer antler tips… bad ass.
I had a chance to talk with Anita at the end of September at the Life Forms: Art and Gem Festival and again at this year’s Yulefest at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard, near Seattle, WA. She informed me that her brand logo was a personal emblem inspired by the Nordic cross and the design represents the ability to travel to far regions of the globe yet never straying from who you truly are. Her main goal is to create products that are intended for everyday use, so she has a number of items that serve a real purpose. You can get a deer hide iPad case for example, or a protective carrier for your mobile phone (which is important for keeping your electronics safe in the Seattle rain). Anita is inspired by dark, far away, frigid Scandinavian themes, and that look and feel really comes through. She is a master leather worker and everything she makes is of such a quality that is really hard to find these days, even from the high end brands. You really get the feeling like the item you get will last forever. SIGIL isn’t just for the ladies, Anita can fashion messenger bags, bracers and cuffs, rune bags, belts and other accessories for men or women that will make anyone the ‘hetja’ of the mead hall.
(SIGIL has enough leather, fur, antler, and bone to make it look like you are about to pillage Lindisfarne… and look good doing it!)
Anita Arora, founder of SIGIL, is continuing an ancient tradition by creating a brand that is tough and practical. It has that old fashioned aesthetic quality and durability that can accompany you to the ends of Midgard and keep you warm as you gaze into the northern lights over forgotten snow peaked mountains.
You can find Anita Arora in person at this year’s Black Owl Market on Capital Hill in Seattle, December 3rd from 12-6pm. You can also order anything from the SIGIL website or her Etsy store.
SIGIL website and links:
Etsy store: etsy.com/shop/sigilbyanitaarora
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sigilbyanitaarora/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SIGILStudio
SIGIL UPCOMING HOLIDAY EVENTS:
Sat, Dec 9th 10am – 4pm Handmade Holiday Market Second Use
Location: Second Use Bulding Materials
3223 6th Ave S, Seattle, Washington 98134
Link to Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/207598353113039/?notif_t=plan_user_joined¬if_id=1510262698314161
Thursday, Dec 14th 5-8pm Black Owl Market Pop-Up at Ghost Gallery (please note, this is part of the Capitol Hill Art Walk)
The Black Owl Market Pop-Up is presented by event founders Jason Soles, SIGIL, and Strix Publishing. These Capitol Hill-based creators will showcase their dark wares for the holiday season.
Location: Ghost Gallery
504 E Denny Way -look for the Pac-Man Arcade Park at Olive/E Denny
(ENTER THROUGH GATE NEXT TO HILLCREST MARKET)
Link to Event: TBD
Website: https://ghostgalleryshop.com/
Sunday, Dec 17th 10am – 4pm Tractor Tavern’s Handmade Arcade
Location: Tractor Tavern
5213 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, Washington 98107
Link to Event:https://www.facebook.com/events/1538015719596853/
