That's How Much I Love You

That's How Much I Love You

A little book of love.

Drawings and art concept by Claudia Nizza.  Words and story concept by Billy mernit.

"This little book was completed in less than two months in my studio in Venice, California.  Billy Mernit's stories, with their rhythmic energy and the direct communication of hip hop songs, brought me into a world of freedom and creativity.

As a painter who creates work by observing  the bodies of dancers in motion, I found it a fascinating experience to use only my imagination to show the emotions of words like an "unhappy oyster" or "all the kisses I've ever received."

The power of love is the primary engine that Billy and I have used to shape in words and colors the secret poetryhidden within everybody's heart."

              - Claudia Nizza

Claudia Nizza was born in Rome. Her work as a painter and designer has included projects for internationally renowned choreographers Lindsay Kemp and David Parsons.  Her book of drawings, "Sogno" (1997) and bookmarks collection , "Il colore della danza" (1999) are published by Postcart s.r.l. italy.  Her paintings are being shown throughout Italy and the United States.

Billy Mernit has written in many mediums from songwritng (for Judy Collins and Carly Simon) to non-fiction ("Writing the Romantic Comedy").  An expatriate New Yorker he lives in Venice, California and teaches at the UCLA Extension.