Collecting Stones is a creative concept devised by Brooklyn–based designer Lisa Waltuch in which she tells the story of people’s lives by creating personalized objects for them that are also highly original works of art.

Waltuch uses the memories and objects that come to surround a person throughout their lifetime as the inspiration to build a unique portrait of that individual.

Rather than producing a formal likeness of her clients, as a portrait painter might, Waltuch creates a compelling visual story that is more abstract, but which captures the essence of her subjects.

With a passion for the handmade object, Waltuch’s palette is her careful selection of meaningful fragments – whether of personal items, textiles, or photographs – and excerpts of text from letters, poems, or reportage.

Waltuch believes that, in these interpretations, it is the power of art that allows people to see themselves in a fresh light and with a deeper understanding of themselves.