Posted on Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
These are the hills of Calabria in Italys beautiful south where my mother is from. My grandmother told and retold stories of her life here, so much so that I call it home even though I have only visited a handful of times.
Perhaps one day I will return to stay. Although my mothers village is mostly abandoned now, there are rumours of rehabilitation…I am hopeful and remain optimistic that the house below, once belonging to my great grandmother, will be rebuilt. A vacation home and art school perhaps? hmmm… I will continue to ponder the possibilities!!!
As I wandered through the quiet streets of this tiny village taking photographs, the chickens followed! I thought it was odd but as the morning passed I depended on them to keep me amused.
Becoming very interesting to me, they’ve now appeared in my work, the most recent below. Keep a watchful eye to see if they pop up again…I am quite certain they will!!
This 200 year old roof tile was retrieved from a newly fallen home. I found the patina of age so interesting I decided to fresco a small portion. This small fresco captures the spirit of my day with the chickens. I was excited to collect and experiment more during my stay, completing 6 pieces in total. They are still “works in progress”so I will keep you posted on how they evolve. For now I hope you enjoy this “sneak peek!
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Posted on Thursday, August 7th, 2008
Thankfully I will now be able to start uploading new images and current work for those of you that have noticed that my website hasn’t been updated in a while. This is the place to be from now on to see “whats new” I hope that you will feel free to post comments along the way!!
Inspired by the “Carrettini Siciliani” (sicilian carts) of my fathers home on the Island of Sicily, this is a unique work as it has evolved into a playful array of color and light. Starting out as a true fresco in 4 sections, it then underwent the transfer process onto linen called Calicot or “a strappo”. Restoration work was done as well as a metamorphosis of the cart, adding color via the secco technique (pigment and a binder.)
The result is truly unique and very textural. A rare combination of fine Italian moulding in pewter, greens and golds, complement the work beautifully. 36″x45″ unframed, approx. 48″x57″ framed as shown above.
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Posted on Wednesday, August 6th, 2008
Before I post my newest works I will backtrack a bit since my website has been out of commission and I haven’t been able to upload images in quite a while.
“Umbrian Alcove” as you see it here was a milestone peice for me… a true fresco in 7 sections transferred onto linen. The transfer process called “calicot” or “a strappo” would make a good future post if anyone is interested. In the meantime, take a look at this fresco in its new environment…a beautiful home in Paradise Valley, AZ.
The lovely new owners created quite an impact by adding 2 smaller frescoes on travertine on either side. (close ups below)
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