Liana Sofia Tumino » Art

Spring Celebration!

admin — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:30:27 +0000

After a season of cold and darkness, spring brings with it, light and warmth. This is true for the seasons, as well as with the journey of life.

Like the daffodils that emerge vibrant green and fresh through a snowy earth, welcome to the new work that has emerged from my season of change along with continued efforts to live simply, simply living.

: FRESCO

After a year of self reflection, new experiences and exposure to the knowledge of sculptors such as Bruno Lucchesi and Brenda Wainman Goulet the seed of an idea that had been germinating for many years had time to grow.

: BAS RELIEF (basso rilievo)

The Bas Relief Fresco is born. Thank you to all of my collectors for your patience and support and I hope you look forward to seeing more soon!

: BAS RELIEF FRESCO

Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.” ~ Sarah Breathnach

HAPPY SPRING!

The Gift that keeps on Giving

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:40:24 +0000

I remember meeting an oil painter at an outdoor show who explained the importance of viewing creativity as a gift from our Creator. From that moment on, painting for me seized to be a hobby and I began my art career.

After 20 years of meeting hundreds of fellow artists I must agree with that painter of long ago. But even though the road isn’t a straight one, the creative spark within us all remains a gift that keeps on giving, no matter what.

sab•bat•i•cal [suh-bat-i-kuh'l] noun, any extended period of leave from one’s customary work, especially for rest, to acquire new skills or training, etc.

I heard this word for the first time in highschool. A favorite teacher left “on sabbatical” and images swirled in my mind of an exotic trip to a far away land learning about some native group, their ceremonies and traditions.I fell in love with this word!

This year I have learned to weave, carve in wood and took a course in mould making. I honed my skills at reading and writing in Italian, and took freelance work creating logos, food blogging and producing videos .

Recently I launched a new website featuring my alter ego ita-liana, creating a space for my humorous works which I have been re-visiting. I am especially looking forward to an upcoming course with sculptor Bruno Lucchesi.

This holiday season I took the time to think about Christmas decorations for the first time in 6 years. Usually all consumed by upcoming show preparations, painting, shipping, framing, designing printed materials etc etc etc. my thoughts instead turned to reverse painting on glass. ( oh and yes we have a pink vintage tree!)

But how? what kind of glass? what kind of paints? why, where, when? etc. And as my better half watched me squirm, google, and plough through the next few days with a loving smirk on his face, here is the result.

Christmas is a time of giving, sharing and a reminder to be thankful of our every blessing amidst both the joy and sadness of our lives.

May the light of the season, both colored and white, light you up with joy and love this season and throughout the entire year.

Merry Christmas!

Maple Oil Olive Syrup?

admin — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:48:28 +0000

I sigh as another summer closes without a trip to my beloved Italy. Filling the void with Italian film, music and books I joyfully cling to the promise of an extensive trip in 2012. One morning, feeling especially estranged by my Italian muse, I heard artist Fabrizio De Andre’s, Genova Blues on my i Tunes playlist and I began to question my identity.

How odd, I thought. An Italian artist singing the blues! An Italianesque version with an Elvis like twang and a spattering of heavily accented english lyrics. While reminiscing about how all things American are so enthusiastically embraced in Italy I envisioned the headline…”Canadian born artist paints Italy.” The question “who am I?” comes up. Am I Canadian? Am I Italian? Neither or both?

I recall the label “Italo Canadian.” A somewhat endearing term that has been artfully crafted to sum up this crisis of identity that greatly oversimplifies my personal experience. My childhood memories consist of snowy winters and snowmobiling, learning to water ski on an icy cold cottage lake and tapping frosty sugar maples for syrup in early spring.

Sparrow Lake, Ontario, Canada. I think I am about 4 yrs old and I LOVED that snowsuit!

Tapping trees and collecting sap, Gravenhurst, Ontario Canada

Add to this slivers of dreamy postcard scenes of a bustling almond harvest in Sicily. A lazy sojourn on a Calabrian beach strung with a row of straw huts and fetching olive oil from a stone cool cantina dating back to the middle ages.

Above: Archive photo of huts on Ferruzzano Beach Below: present day (photo by F. Sculli)

Since I started painting in fresco in 1993, my subjects have been predominantly Italian architectural landscapes. The wine and olive oil that runs through my veins is hard to ignore as is the special and close relationship I had with my grandmother whose village I paint tirelessly.

This past year however was a time for introspection and my rural setting and excruciatingly slow internet connection worked hand in hand to encourage a readjustment in priorties. While I made some space for change and growth I delightfully embraced it with the arrival of 7 horses that took up residence across the way and a family of bluebirds that visit daily to feed on our front lawn.

Images swirl through my mind with an urge to interpret subjects that are slightly removed from my “Italian side.” I come back to that timeless question. Am I Canadian? Am I Italian? I finally come to this conclusion. I am neither and both. I am a visual artist. I paint beauty and what is deeply familiar to me. I paint the complexity of who I am.

At present “home” looks more beautiful and familiar to me than ever and although I am sure that I will always maintain a fiercely Italian side to my personality, I hope you will enjoy discovering “my Canadian side” as well.

A presto! or should I say, until next time “EH!”

Vive la France!

admin — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:31:31 +0000

Coaxed by circumstance and coincidence France has become the subject of these new works.

Always willing to move and grow I welcomed the change of scenery just like a cool breeze on a summer’s day.

As I painted this lavender field of Provence I was reminded of a wonderful trip of my youth spent meandering through Europe as a newlywed buying chocolate in Switzerland, a fresh warm baguette in France, and enjoying the pairing in the countryside much like this.

And who can think of Italy or France without thinking of wine and grapes. This 300 year old terra cotta roof tile was the perfect rustic backdrop for a cluster of grapes.

“Coming Home”

admin — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:11:54 +0000

Some of you may remember these fresco detachments on silk from my 2008 body of work.

Well, “Ophelia and Genevieve” have come home! Let me tell you their story.

When I first started showing my work at the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale Arizona, I was a relatively young and inexperienced in the world of “selling myself.” Thankfully I was in the perfect environment to learn and grow along with 100 other artists at varying stages of their careers.

“Ophelia” fresco detachment on silk

I learned the most from Charles Duncan, a jeweler that became a dear friend. He quietly watched me from across my studio as I fumbled and struggled along. He sternly offered me advice as I closed my first sale with a tentative… “Are you sure? And when things went awry, for either of us, he was quick to point out that every situation was yet another opportunity to shine, serve and perform unprecedented acts of kindness to our collectors.

Charles felt that it was in our best interest to allow the art buying experience to be a completely pleasant one. From beginning to end. But to Charles there was no end until his passing in 2010.

“Genevieve” fresco detachment on silk

“Coming Home” is a tribute of gratitude to my friend Charles.

In his memory and through his mentorship it was my pleasure to accomodate a dear collector that found herself in dire straits by purchasing “Ophelia and Genevieve” back from her collection.I hope you enjoy them here, or in person at my next exhibit. (tba)

Until then, I am happy to have “the girls” home, and I am especially pleased for the opportunity to not only assist a collector, but to offer them for purchase once again so that they can be enjoyed by yet another household. Perhaps yours?

For more info on these special frescoes please contact me at liana@lianasofia.com

Last week to “Celebrate”

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:02:31 +0000

It is hard to believe we are in our last week of the 20th anniversary year of the Celebration of Fine Art here in Scottsdale Arizona! The mercury is rising in the tent but energy is high as there is so little time left until the art tents will be gone for another year. Here is a sample of some of the frescoes that are still available. Hope to see you before March 28,2010, and remember to look for me in the Northwest Salon!

“Via Roma Sotto Il Cielo Blu” fresco detachment on linen 61″x81“

As I wandered throughout the streets of my mother’s village in the south of Italy I was not alone. Although most of the houses are now abandoned I imagined life as it once was, armed with a lifetime of stores told to me by my grandmother. I envision children playing ball, old men playing cards, the smell of wood fired bread baking and women crocheting by the front door. The views of the Ionian sea fill my vision as I try to bring each story to life, silence broken only by the sounds made by the 5 chickens that followed my every step. A particularly favorite spot of mine, situated on the beginnings of a cliff, a myriad of warm and subtle hues blend into the cool blue of the sea as I again dream of the past. I was told that for most of the year the sea was gazed upon and admired from afar, as I do this moment. In august however, after the intense labor of the grain harest, the shoreline, clean and tranquil would be transformed into a backdrop for a row of huts, built like townhouses one supporting the other. Although temporary, days of frolick, midnight swims and tarantellas in the sand replaced the toil of the rest of the year. This place holds the past dear, high on a hill top it stands proud yet crippled by the wheels of progress, like so many Calabrian hill towns, waiting for it’s fate. I see beauty everywhere and pray for it’s renaissance.

“Bella Vista” fresco detachment on linen 38″x44“

Set amongst the rocky hillside of my grandmother’s village is this charming home, almost octoganal in shape overlooking the foothills that lead to the shoreline of the Ionian Sea. You can see the “calvario” in the distance that donns a metal cross on a cement monument marking a point for prayer during the processions that meandered through the streets during the feasts of the village’s patron saint. After the procession, the feast would culminate into the “piazza” for the evening where food and wine were to be enjoyed. An odd and quirky event called “u Sceccaregliu” would then take place as a traditional tarantella begins to play,and a chosen local appears dancing while wearing a large paper mache donkey costume on his shoulders. Dancing the tarantella with a donkey on your shoulders would be tricky enough, however, as the music progresses, fireworks begin to stream from the donkey in all directions until finally it’s tail begins to spin quickly and even more quickly. Sparks whirl in an amazing display of color, light and sound while the little man under the donkey continues to dance without missing a beat.

“Bella Vista”

Set amongst the rocky hillside of my grandmother’s village is this charming home, almost

octoganal in shape overlooking the foothills that lead to the shoreline of the Ionian Sea.

You can see the calvario in the distance that donns a metal cross on a cement monument

marking a point for prayer during the processions that meandered through the streets

during the feasts of the village’s patron saint. After the procession, the feast would

culminate into the piazza for the evening where food and wine were to be enjoyed.

An odd and quirky event would then take place as a traditional tarantella begins to play,

and a chosen local appears dancing while wearing a large paper mache donkey costume on

his shoulders. Dancing the tarantella with a donkey on your shoulders would be tricky

enough, however, as the music progresses, fireworks begin to stream from the donkey in

all directions until finally it’s tail begins to spin quickly and even more quickly. Sparks whirl

in an amazing display of color, light and sound while the little man under the donkey

continues to dance without missing a beat.

“Pacifica” fresco detachment on hand loomed linen 24×28

Raised in many ways by my grandmother I feel a connection to her that is strengthened with every passing moment and every thought of her. The stories she told and the memories she shared of the village she loved are threaded within my spirit. The heirlooms I cherish most are blankets woven by her hand with thread dyed by her hand, with wool purchased with the sweat of her brow. That is why on a recent trip to her village, when I was introduced to a local weaver I was anxious and excited to see her loom and watch her work. Although filled with the most exquisite textiles inside, her home was modest and rustic on the outside. There were steps that led down a garden path behind the kitchen. Beside a grape arbor where a clothesline also hung was a small shack with a dirt floor where 3 new born chicks were huddled in a corner. The rest of the room was filled by a huge loom where 3 beautiful metres of raw linen were being woven. After some negotiations I was able to acquire a few peices one of which is laid behind this fresco titled “Pacifica.” Her name means peace for the feeling she’ll give when you look at her. How many stories, how many memories, how much love is woven within the linen draped behind her? can you imagine?

“Penelope” fresco detachment on linen 48×49

In Homer’s Odyssey, Penelope, wife of Odyseuss, is known for her patience & faithfulness keeping many suitors at bay as she waited for her husbands return from a long absence fighting, and returning home from theTrojan War. Her name is associated with fidelity because of the tricks she devised to delay her suitors, one of which is to pretend to be weaving a burial cloth for her elderly father claiming that she would choose a suitor upon it’s completion. All the while Penelope cunningly unravels her work every night. She waited and remained faithful for 20 years.

“Kalypso” fresco detachment on linen 48×49

Kalypso, from Homer’s Odyssey, was a sea nympth and daughter of Atlas. She was madly in love with Odesseus. When he became shipwrecked on his way home from the war, she rescued him and kept him on her island of Ogygia. She offered him eternal youth and immortality but Odesseus continued to long for his wife and child. After 7 years Zeus finally intervened and forced Kalypso to free Odesseus and he was finally able to return home to his wife Penelope where she was patiently waiting.

“Oceanview” fresco detachment on linen 40×34

My time in Calabria is spent in many ways. The evenings are joyful, afternoons relaxing, and mornings…well, mornings can be busy. I love to take pictures in the early morning and this was no exception. We rose at 5 am to drive up the mountain 7 km from the beach where I was staying, this morning 3 of my companions (2 nephews and a neice) decided to run up as the rest of us drove. Upon our arrival up top I started capturing images everywhere…the sun still low, it cast long shadows from the east towards the sea….perfect! The view from this tiny abode was spectacular and a fresco was sure to be born….but this will come much later. For now, after about 30 minutes and about 300 photos we were all re united at the piazza of the old church, greeted by a local woman curious as to what we were all doing up so early. After a brief explanation we were soon having coffee in her kitchen before she walked us through town to watch the 3 “sisters” baking bread in their wood fired oven. Early risers are rewarded with a breakfast to remember! Fresh bread drizzled with olive oil, dried oregano and local cheese, mmmm….Does it get any better then this? I love Italy!

What’s on my easel in real time? almost!

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:37:10 +0000

Well, life in the tent at the Celebration of Fine Art has been hectic and exciting so I apologize for the delay. Now titled and framed, “Sicilian Steps with Pots”, and “Sicilian Steps with Fountain” are now framed and are hanging in the studio ready to view.

Framed 5x5 frescoes on canvas "Series Sicilia"

Below was my next project, another 300 year old roof tile I had salvaged from my mother’s village of Ferruzzano. This time the scene I painted in fresco is an image I captured from my great aunts balcony in Ragusa, Sicily. The colorful geraniums and roof pigeons remind me of my special time there…I can almost feel the Sicilian sunshine on my shoulders and the smell of citrus in the air.

Sicilian View with Geraniums on my easel

Mounted on a wood panel covered with burlap that has been plastered and colorwashed, the finishing touch of a gold leaf signature creates an interesting contrast to the rustic aged quality of the antique tile.

There are only 3 weeks left to “Celebrate” with us in the “Northwest Salon” so try and stop by before it’s all over on March 28. Hope to see you soon, there is still plenty of beautiful works being created everyday throughout the entire show!

What’s on my easel in real time

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:25:06 +0000

This year’s Celebration of Fine Art has been an exceptional show so far, the cool temperatures are behind us and artists are working in full swing daily, a perfect opportunity for new installments of my most popular posts giving you a private viewing of what’s on my easel in real time.

These little 5×5 minature frescoes are still untitled but are part of ”Series Sicilia” A series of frescoes that feature my father’s hometown of Ragusa, a place I was able to re visit this summer. Enjoy and remember, if you are in Scottsdale before the end of March you can see me in the Northwest Salon at the Celebration of Fine Art under the big white tents on Scottsdale Rd.

Visit the Northwest Salon!

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:01:37 +0000

Northwest Salon at the Celebration of Fine Art

Entering our 3rd week of this 20th anniversary year of the Celebration of Fine Art I am excited to announce the formation of a group of nine artists within the “Celebration,” we call ourselves “The Northwest Salon” Enjoy the video created above as a sneak peek at what you can expect when you visit us in the northwest section of the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale Arizona from Jan 16-March 28 2010, alongside over 100 extremely talented artists, the whole show is a must see! Visit nwsalon.com and celebrateart.com for more details.

Hope to see you soon!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

admin — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:13:11 +0000

Happy New Year to all! 2010 is filled with promise and excitement as the Celebration of Fine Art celebrates it’s 2oth anniversary! Be sure to plan your visit as all 100 artists are gearing up to show their best works for this awesome event opening January 16. Open 7 days a week, 10 am -6pm through March 28. Visit www.celebrateart.com for more details.

This tryptich titled “Casale in Campagna” Fresco on Cement Board is one of the many new pieces that will be on display in my studio No.254 in the Northwest Section of the tent. Hope to see you there soon!