Sisters + Artists
A blog about making things and having sisters.
October 29, 2026
We’re starting a new series called Sisters and Artists, conversations with artists about what it’s like to have sisters.
Our first is an interview we did in November 2024 with Alex Labriola, founder of alstampa studio, a designer and illustrator based in Burlington, Vermont.
Dolce far niente: In conversation with artist Alex Labriola
What is it like for you to have and to be a sister?
Being a sister is one of my most sacred relationships. There's no one on earth I've laughed, cried, dreamed, or complained harder with, without judgment. I read this poem recently by Karli Crispin that said "love void of conditions, scars that compliment one another, understanding without words, a friendship that will transcend time."
No one has experienced your life with you quite like a sister and we love to see each other grow and evolve. Love you Krissy :)
What does "dolce far niente" mean to you?
Dolce far niente means the sweetness of doing nothing. To pause the brain and rest the body. To enjoy the present moment without any agenda or time restraints. To indulge in not thinking about anyone else but yourself for a second.
How did you learn or know this phrase?
I lived in Italy when I studied abroad and heard this phrase. I loved watching people take little pockets of time in the day to just do nothing and that everyone did it, so it was accepted as part of your day and life. I felt like coming from New York, you don't see that too often and I loved to see it first hand.
What ways do you find the spaces and time for this (dolce far niente)?
It wasn't really until I had my son Rudy that I fully fell into practicing this. Time seems to rush by us and the only thing that feels like it can slow it down is sitting with the people you love most, with no to-do list, listening to the sounds and feeling the warmth of the sun, or the softness of the couch underneath your bodies.
Which is your favorite Sisters product and what do you like about it?
I love the gentle body wash and the nourishing conditioner. This was the first conditioner I started to use on my 4 year old Rudy's hair because I trusted its ingredients and it makes our hair so smooth. I also love that I can have products in my shower that me, my husband and Rudy can use on our skin and hair without worrying about what is in them, that meets all our needs, and that leaves our bathroom smelling delicious.
Tell us about yourself and your company.
alstampa studio is a creative design studio that specializes in branding and illustration. With a background as a painter and printmaker, my design work comes from an artist's point of view and allows me to add more to a visual identity with expertise in print, digital, and hand-made elements.