Rose Theodora, an astronomer-artist from Vestali Studio, has collaborated with creative director and arts patron Fairfax Dorn of Fairfax Dorn Projects to launch a limited-edition series of contemporary furnishings called Vestali Altars. The first piece, the Alchemy of Metals Altar, is made from black volcanic stone and embedded with seven sculptural materials, each forged during its corresponding planetary hour and finished with a sigil tied to celestial bodies like Venus, the sun, or the moon. Only 10 Founders Edition pieces are available, designed to be used with candles, incense, florals, or contemplation.
This collaboration matters because it bridges ancient alchemical and astrological traditions with modern design and functionality, offering a tangible object for introspection in an increasingly fast-paced world. By positioning the altar as an "operational sculpture" meant for active engagement rather than passive display, Theodora and Dorn challenge conventional boundaries between art, ritual, and daily life, appealing to collectors seeking spiritual and aesthetic depth in their homes.