Island Girl Henna | 68 1/2 Main Street | Delhi NY 13753 | US
About
Jeanette Platania Harper
As a naturally gifted artist I work day and night at the mercy of the Muses in numerous mediums including henna, acrylics, pen and ink, bookbinding, mixed media and assemblage. My love of eccentricity, vibrant colors, history and heritage enchant my wild variety of artistic styles which include historical Mediterranean, American folk, fantasy, esoteric, body art, jewelry, costume accessories and writing.
I live, breathe, create (and sometimes even catch some sleep) in the western Catskill Mountains with my best friend/ husband, Chris, on our 45 acre homestead. In 2021 we celebrate being together for 35 years.
A Touch of Destiny
Artful Beginnings
As a child, I'd go on adventures with my grandmother to the ocean, the forest, a creek.
I remember sitting beside her and playing with my watercolor paints as she created vibrant oil paintings. I'd dream of being a talented artist like her.
Today, her photo sits beside our intermingled brushes and I dream she sees how my art has flourished.
Henna Body Art
Although my ancestors' use of henna fell to the wayside, I embraced it and made it my career. As a self-taught artist I refined my skills with world-renown artists acquiring extensive knowledge and experience in a wide variety of styles. Being a perfectionist, I never sacrifice quality or professionalism.
My henna art is created completely freehand using henna paste I hand blend in small batches with the finest organic ingredients. Whether you desire modest or extravagant, traditional or contemporary, endless design possibilities await.
Fine Art
I've been at the mercy of the Muses my entire life, creating in styles that vary wildly. When a new artistic talent presents itself it stays with me for life.
Painting sea life, fiction writing, and making hand-beaded jewelry came easy in my early years. In my twenties I started Grandma Moses style paintings before I knew who she was. The Muses had me creating fantasy and esoteric works in the 1990s and 2000s: extravagant faerie wings, costuming, herbal and gemstone creations and miniature book binding. 2009 began my henna career and, when the pandemic hit, my ethnic Mediterranean-style acrylic paintings emerged, every brushstroke influenced by my deep Sicilian roots.
I'm thankful to all who support and appreciate my work.
Island GIrl Henna: The Name, The Connection.
Just a girl raised on an island with a love for family, art, history and kismet.
Untold generations of my family are from Henna and Palermo in Sicily, a Mediterranean island famous for its volcano, lemons, cannoli, horse-drawn carts and brightly painted art. The town of Henna was named over 3,000 years ago and texts tell of henna body art in Palermo since at least the 12th century. Even my name, Jeanette, translates to the word henna.
It seems henna and I are connected by the Fates and that has captivated my heart, inspires my art and makes Island Girl Henna the perfect business name.
WOSB, DEDICATION + SUCCESS
Island Girl Henna is a woman-owned, small, independent business established in 2009.
Decades of business experience and natural artistic abilities have created a successful art career that broke the 'starving artist' mold.
Maintaining a thriving career in art demands high standards for exceptional quality and professionalism. Since art is also my passion, creating beauty and happiness are just as vital for continued success.
In a world full of fly-by-night henna artists, I take pride in standing out as a professional in the art industry. That's why Island Girl is a registered and insured business.
Environmental Awareness
Environmental Awareness
Environmental Awareness
We reduce, reuse, recycle + refuse single-use as much as possible + give back whenever we can for the good of the planet.
Vardo Carrettino
Environmental Awareness
Environmental Awareness
This 7'x10' roving micro house serves as our accommodations with all the necessary amenities while at multi-day festivals.
Chamber Member
Environmental Awareness
Chamber Member
Member of the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce... Let adventure take you to NY's Catskills Mountains!