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My works highlight Italian culture, my family's Italian American journey, the bonds of family, and the artistry of growing and harvesting fresh produce. I grew up with a large backyard garden surrounded by fruit trees. The garden was my father's pride and joy, and still is, especially his tomato plants, and fig trees of course! Helping him in the garden was the perfect time for me to listen to my father tell stories of his childhood in Italy, his experiences coming of age as an Italian immigrant in the U.S., and his experiences and success in the sport of wrestling both as a participant and a coach. More on Antonio 'Tony' Russo, here.

 📚💭 Uncover 'Wrestling with the Devil' in a Whole New Way! 📸 🍽️ More Insights, Photos & Recipes on our Blog!

"Read Wrestling with the Devil and find yourself in the lush backyard vegetable garden in Portland, Oregon - or drinking the Russo family wine around the dining table - you'll feel the anguish of a mother saying good-bye to her young son, and the fear of the little boy alone and sick on a ship to a new land. You'll get beat up along with Tony on the wrestling mat, and then feel the pride of winning. And you will feel the love of generations of the Russo family and the bonds that distance would not break." 

—Review from Amazon

Famiglia is the Italian word for family. A common thread throughout my works are the intricate, complicated, and extraordinary bonds of family. One powerful memory I have is my dad giving me a fig to take for 'show & tell' in kindergarten. My teacher had no idea what it was, and I felt embarrassed at the time, but now I know that many people are still new to this luscious, exotic fruit. Figs will always evoke a sense of nostalgia and special memories for me, hence the title of my website—Figs & Famiglia. 

Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoy what you find here, and "May you never lose your fascination in the magic of a seed." 

—Tonya Russo Hamilton