Wednesday, July 29, 2015

My Art Residency ~ An Italian Experience



Art Studio Ginestrelle


Assisi ~ View from my room
CIAO!
My Italian art residency began back in early March when I applied for this residency.  I received my acceptance to be a resident at the Arte Studio Ginestrelle and arrived in Assisi, Italy for my June art experience.  From the very beginning to the final farewell~ it was a fabulous!

I was one of six artists at the studio.  I met a Finish poet, an art professor, a political muralist, two Brazilian installation artists and a writer.  Each of us had our own dedicated space to stay and work independently.  It was quiet and beautiful. We had a daily breakfast together with great conversations about art, culture and the creative process and lingered over delicious Italian coffee.  My thought is artist's inspiration, comes from gathering ideas everywhere~visual, both real and imagined, meaningful exchanges and experiences, and creativity within.
Walking Sticks
After breakfast, our daily routine would take each of us to our own space to create..sometimes interrupted by the visit from the baker, a daily mountain hike (with a walking stick to ward off the vipers!) or visit to the market in town. We would meet again at dinner where we each made our own meals and dined with whom ever felt like a conversation after a long day of solitude.  It was easy going~      
     
Hike Path with Ginestrelle flowers
The Director, Dr. Marina Meril coordinates the program and works with the (Assisi) Cultural Board and UNESCO to keep things running smoothly.  Marina's thoughtful ways created a perfect environment for recharging creativity.  Each (2015) resident will participate in an international exhibition that will take place November 20-30 in the Art Gallery of Assisi.  The Art Catalog 2015 listing the resident artists and their projects will be available upon request.                                                             
In Assisi, I gathered inspiration from the sights and sounds of this historic art and religious town, said a prayer for mom and dad- both who passed away this year, and watched the visitors.  Each view was more magical than the last. Another artist and I traveled to nearby Arezzo for the outdoor flea market~found fabulous linens and even an antique painting I loved.  Also took a quick train to Perugia to visit the university's art store see more historic frescoes (Raphael's 1505). After two weeks, I met up with my family in Rome then traveled to the Italian coast to experience more great food, scenic beauty, and to create family memories~  A wonderful Italian experience!
Assisi View
Assisi Carousel
Assisi Street Scene
Arezzo Street Scene
Italian Gelato
Perugia Street Scene
Sorrento Beach Style
Positano Beauty










Thursday, January 1, 2015

Drama of Dubai

Dubai

Curved visual design
 I love to travel and discover new destinations and cultures! On my recent adventure to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I anticipated the wonders of graceful minarets and bustling bazaars, majestic waterways and vivacious cafes but that is just a very tiny part of this global city.

Dune Bashing
The city has become symbolic for its skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, in particular the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.  The striking modern architecture is so unique and captivating, it is as if you can dream-they can build it.  How do (you) make a one-hundred story building look curvy?

Ultramarine in the Sea
Relief wall sculpture
To get out of the city and traffic, we went to the desert for sunset dune-bashing. The stunning scene of the sunset, dramatic colors and expansive desert was exciting and unforgettable.

Unfortunately, I just missed Abu Dhabi Art 2014, a three-day festival bringing together leading international art galleries for talks and exhibitions.  I did get to see some beautiful paintings and sculpture by local artists as I traveled around the two cities.

There are so many reasons to travel: to have an adventure, to learn about another culture, to be exotic.  Sometimes getting out of your surroundings can help you find out about yourself.
In Motion