This was our view from the terrace a year ago today.
Last year at this time Steven and I had just arrived in Florence,
because I was showing at the Florence Biennale. We fell
head over heels in love with the city long before we landed.
It's so strange going to a place you have read about and studied
for your entire life, and then actually being there. We were constantly
astounded by the thrill of history living and breathing all around
us. We loved the people, the church bells, the magnificent
architecture, the art everywhere and the food. And the Biennale
in the Fortezza da Basso was incredible with 650 artists
displaying their work in a vast hall.
We met such fantastic artists and formed new friendships; it was
so much fun -- it's almost impossible to believe that an entire year
has gone by. My great, great, great grandmother was Florentine.
But I know very little Italian. Yet for my whole life I've felt such
an affinity with everything Italian, and that love was rewarded daily
in Florence. It is one of our most fervent dreams to return. And soon.
Have a making-your-dreams-come-true day.
6 comments:
hi Barbara, I talked to an artist a few weeks ago who was considering doing the Florence Biennel but he wasn't sure about it. I gave him your blog to look up because I knew that you had an awesome experience there. Dont know if you ever heard from him, his name is Daniel Hughes. He's primarily a portrait artist also. He's done the Star Portraits show, he painted skater Elvis Stojko. Nice to have your happy memories of the place 1 year ago. Florence truly is a magical place.
What an incredible experience. They say the bells are magnificent in Florence. Could you possibly post|repost the painting you displayed at Fortezza da Basso?
Hi Barbara,
I'm so glad you were able to have that experience last year. I enjoyed reading the posts you made while in Florence too.
Nicki XO
Hi Sally,
An artist did write me and I answered the email, but I don't remember the name. I loved the experience, and really want to go again.
I think aside from the show, being around the core works of Western art is just such a thrill.
XOBarbara
Hi Marilyn,
I will repost those paintings in a day or so. They are still with me, and I love having them around.
XOBarbara
Hi Nicki,
I am so glad you enjoyed that. It seems so long ago in some ways, and so immediate and visceral in others. I sit in front of my husband's computer and he has a Florence slideshow running -- and it's just like being there. Those two weeks made me feel like a citizen. Crazy but true.
XO Barbara
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