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!