When in Florence

Eye of the Beholder: How artists View themselves

2013-06-21T10:39:00.001+02:00

On Wednesday I conducted my first studio visit for a group of fashion design students from Johnson & Wales University in the US. I had a great time. The students were fantastic, enthusiastic (even though it was 38° C (100°F), they were champs in my little studio space!) and they completely inspired me. I hope I was able to do the same for them, even if it was just a little bit. They had great questions, some of which I am still thinking about even now a few hours later. And they even took notes!

When the professor contacted me, I must admit I was a bit surprised initially. I was humbled to think that she felt my work and my story were interesting enough to share with aspiring fashion designers. Me? Really? I guess I just thought of myself as a beginner, a struggling, starving artist. What did I possibly have to offer these students? I remember when I was studying at Art Center College of Design, there was a required class called 'studio visits' where we would visit a different LA artist every Saturday for 14 weeks. I mean, how cool is that? So cool in fact that when I had an elective space two terms later I decided to take it again (different instructor, different artists) We would get to go to their studios and see where they created the work and ask them questions. It was great!

I always remember being mesmerized, inspired and humbled and always thinking of them like rock stars and that it was something I would never be. But I would always try to soak up their insight and expertise and dream of getting to that level. But I think somewhere inside of me, I doubted myself and didn't know if it was possible. I still don't. I know I've come a long way. I know that I have grown and changed as an artist since those days of visiting their studios but I don't know that I every thought I was 'good enough' to actually be one of them.

Sometimes as artists we start to believe we're worth only as much as someone is willing to pay even if they don't truly understand what we do or how we do it. We never think we're really quite 'good enough' and we are always struggling to 'explain' ourselves and why its worth what we are asking someone to pay for it. Even last summer when I had my first solo show and sold two pieces, I was almost surprised that someone was willing to pay (a decent sum of money) for my work. Maybe this is our way as artists of never letting our guard down so to speak or never letting ourselves get comfortable. Or perhaps its because we know there is still more to say.

I know that I have a long way to go and I always tend to think that I will get there one day, but not necessarily that I am here. I will never stop growing and challenging myself to create new work but the point, I suppose is, that we need to value who we are now. At this moment and how far we have come. And while answering the question of 'where do you see yourself in five years' think about where we were five years ago. Personally, I was working on a tiny single table in a tool warehouse without heat in the winter with paint chipping off the walls surrounded by hammers and concrete mixers, to this amazing space that was nothing more than a sogno five years ago.

One of my best girlfriends, Laura Josephine, very graciously reminded me of the process and compared it to my half marathon training.

"Compare it to when you started training slowly for the half-marathon and one day you realize how far you've come but since the process takes a while you don't always notice until you see an end result. You've been consistent and true and haven't given up. You just cant see it yourself, but there are days when we see some jewelry (that for you is just other piece you've been working on) and it's like Whoa!!!"

My intention is not to toot my own horn, but to possibly help other artists to know that they're not alone in feeling this way. We just need to make sure that WE are the ones who value what we do and not let what someone who may not know the first thing about the creative process undermine not only the work but the passion that goes into each and every object that we create. When we really stop and think about it, art and design are all around us. Someone thought about each and every thing that we use in our daily lives and that deserves our reflection and recognition.

I am lucky that I get to live in a culture who still values the handmade and passion for design and craftsmanship. One of the students asked me Wednesday morning is if running a business in Italy was different to running a business in the US, and this is one things I didn't mention but I feel it is essential to what I do. And one day, metaphorically of course, (or maybe not, it could happen) I hope to run a full marathon and then maybe even an Ultra - Marathon! (that is definitely a metaphor!)

Color Theory

2013-05-30T18:45:00.001+02:00

To paint or not to paint, that is the question. Should contemporary gallery and museum walls be painted any color other than white? Should the 'white cube' as its known be abolished for good? It's a long running debate in the art world and has been addressed by many artists, myself included. In fact for my senior thesis show I painted the gallery walls bright pink and added big painted flowers, but that was the work, not the back drop and was a direct statement on the white cube. Another student made a white cube piñata and as a performance piece beat it until colorful confetti came spilling out all over the gallery floor. Fabulous piece. Seriously great work by Rocio Mendoza.

There are some museums that are opting for colored walls, mostly for historic works and for specific shows that fit the mood and feeling of the work itself. But in the contemporary art world, white is still widely acknolowdged to be the best choice. There are some art critics such as Jonathan Jones who argue that anything but white is distracting and compromises the work itself and the only colors we should be focusing on are the colors in the artwork.

I happen to agree. I love me a crisp white wall to hang my work. I don't want anything pulling the eye away or changing the feeling of the piece. White is bright and cheerful yet goes unnoticed in a gallery setting. If walls are painted in any other color it is inevitable that this will somehow become a focus, mostly because it's not the norm and anyone who frequents art shows will be interested in the the chosen color and how and if it effects the work ultimately leading the discussion away from the art.

When it comes to interior design my ideas are very different and while I still love a crisp white room with bright colorful furniture and pops of color I also love colored walls. My bedroom is chocolate brown and my kitchen is dark red. Which, by the way I later found out was the worst possible choice I could make since red is know to increase appetite. We now eat in the white living room.

But art is not interior decoration and deserves to be the center of attention and the only focus in a gallery or museum setting.

What do you think? Do you agree? Do you disagree? Let's discuss, leave your comment below.

Rip Everybody Off

2013-05-22T15:08:00.001+02:00

I'll never forget the first day of my TDS (trans disciplinary studies) painting class when one of the professors said to all of us that the best advice he could give us as young artists was, 'steal, steal, steal'.

A few days ago an artist who I greatly admire posted a comment on her facebook page that was very interesting and thought provoking. The topic was in regards to teaching techniques to other artists and what those other artists then do with the techniques. Apparently some don't learn the technique and then use it to create their own work as the classes are intended but rather they copy the techniques step by step, pass them off as their own then turn around and teach them to others for a profit. Of course my first reaction to this was, 'how dare they?' But then I got to thinking about it, and I do think that trying to pass off another's technique as ones own is dishonest, but I'm not sure that I necessarily think its wrong to re-teach the technique as long as credit is given where it is due.

As you can imagine the topic received tons of comments and there are those who believe that since the teacher was sharing her technique and the student paid to take the class they are free to use it in any way they choose. Other's believe that this is absolutely wrong and should never be done and that the offending teacher should be reprimanded in some way (and obviously quite teaching the classes.)

When I worked as a tour guide and relayed information to tourists about the art and history of Florence I certainly didn't site the author of each book I read or professor who lectured on the subject and I was certainly working for profit. I this really any different? Why? How?

Where is the line between copying and being influenced by other artists? And is there really anything wrong with copying in the first place? Is imitation the best form of flattery? Or is it immoral and lacking respect?

I know that I am always looking at other artists and designers for inspiration as well as their handling of space and materials, of course these influences are bond to come out in my work in one way or another. Every artist would like to think of themselves as one of kind and completely original but influences and the world of imagery that we live in tends to creep in. What is the difference between influence and copycat-ing? And do we as artists have a moral obligation to each other?

Manet clearly copied Titian's Venus of Urbino (above) and the Olympia became one of his most important works. Is it ok to copy as long as its not a contemporary? Is there a statute of limitations?*

I'm interested in what other's opinions are on this subject because I truly have mixed feelings about it. On one hand I understand the frustration of an artist who works hard to create new and interesting work in a field that is difficult to make a living in to begin with, but is there really anything that hasn't been done before and can we truly claim anything as our own? As artists when we put our work out into the world we essentially give up control of what happens to it from that point forward. Personally, I try not to worry so much about people stealing my ideas and try to concentrate more on the work itself. I also wonder why this is such a touchy subject in the art/handmade world and not so much in the fashion industry? Or is it an issue there too and I just don't know about it? A trend is generally started by one designer and the the rest follow suite and then there are knock-off's galore!

Let's discuss. What do you think?Where do you stand on the subject? How do you interpret Picasso's quote about stealing? Please comment below.

* I know that there is indeed a statute of limitations when it come to copyright laws, but I'm more interested in artist edict.

Monday Musings

2013-05-20T09:23:00.001+02:00

Inspired by bright Colors, bold patterns today! Happy Monday!

Welcome to my Studio!

2013-05-13T15:24:00.002+02:00

I've been working on it for a long time and I feel like I've been talking about it for even longer. The one thing that I have always wanted, something I set my sights on more than 6 years ago is FINALLY mine! I still can't believe it. Sometimes I just sit here and stare at it and dream about all the things I get to create.

So after months of bricks and concrete, plaster and paint, my studio is finally ready! The day I met Luigi was probably the last time I was this happy! And I knew he was a good man because its really thanks to him and all his hard work that I have this space, he did it all by himself and he did it for me and its beautiful! Thanks Babes!!!!

Before: The exposed brick walls would have been nice but unfortunately there was too much damage to the structure and it wouldn't have held up nor been very safe!

I've been busy decopaugeing floors, painting walls, moving furniture and organizing my mounds and mounds of art supplies, as well as taking a little trip to Los Angeles in the interim (where I purchased more art and craft supplies) and I now have my very own work space. Hooray!!!!

I was going to wait to post this until everything was perfect and I had a studio full of new work to show you but I realize that that could take a while and that this is really going to be a work in progress for a long time coming. I have so many ideas as to what I want to create and not only with my artwork but for the studio design and decor as well. So for now it is almost perfect and getting closer everyday. And besides I can't wait to post all of the little project that I will be working on.

I can already see that my artwork is beginning to change directions. Somehow I feel completely free all of a sudden and I know this space is really going to help me grow as an artist. Thank you to all of you who have supported me and this little dream of mine! Thanks for believing in me!

Have a look at the before and after photos below. Its pretty remarkable! It was a lot of work but so worth it!

Before: Gigi hard at work!


Before: The space was used as a warehouse, garage and tool storage for Gi and his brother's construction business for 15 years, needless to say there was A LOT of stuff!


After: Yes it really is the same space!

Add caption


During: This is after the old plaster and concrete was removed During AFTER!!!!!! After After After!!!!! You can find me at Via di Mezzo 6, just down the street from Piazza Sant' Ambrgio

A Quick Note....

2013-05-04T09:26:00.001+02:00

Hi there, just a quick note to let you know that I will be back soon. I know I seem to do this a lot, call it my ADD or dyslexia (yes I have both) I don't know but a friend of mine made a very good point this morning. You see I've been getting sick a lot lately. Too much. And not just a little cold kind of sick but the really bad kind of sick that lays me out for days with high fevers. My friend said that sickness is often 'like a coded message' and that our bodies are trying to tell us something, perhaps like, slow down, or maybe even just STOP for a while. I always have a hard time doing that. I always feellike I need to get everything done NOW! In fact my husband even said to me last Sunday when I insisted on going to ikea to get a few things that honestly could have waited, that we haven't had a day of rest since I got back from the US.

So her thoughts seem to be right on and it makes perfect sense. Between getting over my last illness just in time to travel to California to finalize some documentation, to finishing my studio (which I will post picture of, I promise) to coming back to high season and apartment rentals in full swing, as well as work, overdoing my workouts (my own fault) and some other personal things, my friends comment really made a lot of sense. Sometimes it takes someone outside of your daily life to point things out before we can really see them. So for that, I would like to thank her for taking a moment to help me see what I was missing.

On that note, as I said, I will be back, but for now I need to just stop and relax and regroup. Thanks for understanding everyone!

A presto!

2013-04-20T09:01:00.001+02:00

For my many friends in and from Boston. Sending love and light and full support to Bean Town.

Contemporary Florence: an interview with Naomi Muirhead

2013-03-29T14:57:00.000+01:00

The ideas of the Renaissance masters was not to continue repeating the same ideas and methods but rather to continue pushing forward and create the new and unexpected and to challenge the perception of what art is while paying tribute to those that came before them. Contemporary art aims to push the boundaries of these accepted ideas and move away from the past to create the present. With this in mind, I will be conducting a series of interviews here on my blog to highlight the artists, designers and creative minds of present day Florence

In conjunction with our facebook group Creative People in Florence, I will be conducting these interviews with our group members. In the coming months I hope to be able to interview each member who is currently living in Florence as a way of highlighting their wide range of talents. The questions will be exactly the same for each artist/designer and creative person, what is fascinating are the similarities as well as the differences in the answers.

This week I have the multi- talented artist and jewelry designer Naomi Muirhead. I had the pleasure of participating in a show last fall with Naomi and not only does she create beautiful work but she is also a delightful person. I hope you enjoy her work. You can find more information and as well as more of her work here and be sure to follow her on her facebook page for all the latest updates.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up outside of a little town on a street named after my family, but only one hour away from Chicago. I had the best of both worlds: country and city life. Art and travel have been regular elements in my life from early on and have kept me curious. Coming to Italy and living abroad since the year 2000 has allowed me to combine the two passions. And now I have the privilege of having two cultures at hand.

I have degrees in fine arts and interior architecture/design, and later became interested jewelry design. I am lucky to do work that I love and have carved out my own niche in Florence as an Artist, Jewelry Instructor, Gallery Director, Graphic Designer, and Art Librarian.

Why did you choose Florence or did Florence choose you?

I would have to say Florence chose me. I took my first vacation to Italy 2 years before I arrived for a study abroad program in 2000. I initially wanted to choose Rome, a bigger city, since I was coming from a more metropolitan lifestyle. But some of the accredited courses in needed to take for my interior architecture degree I found at a program in Florence called SACI. I grew up in rural Illinois, outside of Chicago, where I also lived and then migrated to Seattle and San Francisco. But now I find the smaller size of Florence just big enough. I know people about town and I can get around on a bicycle.

What is your favorite thing/place/sight in the city or all of the above?

My favorite place would probably be the top of the Duomo, climbing up to Brunelleschi’s magical cupola. After so many centuries, it remains an architectural marvel accompanied with a great story!

Was there a defining moment when you knew that you wanted to be an artist? If so when and what was it?

I don’t think there ever was a definite moment…it just sort of happened naturally. I remember as a kid, I wanted to be a National Geographic photographer and travel the world. I was influence by some creative people in my family: my mother, aunt, and grandmother. I made art from early on and continued in high school and university. I first concentrated on painting with a multi-disciplinary foundation in drawing, printmaking, photography, and graphic design. Then I went on to study interior architecture and design before becoming curious about jewelry and metals over 13 years ago. Now my passion is jewelry, but I still do collage, photography, and furniture rehab decoration.

What or who is your greatest inspiration and why?

Inevitably, I think what inspires most people, even if only on a subliminal level, are past experiences and where one comes from, what one has to say about a connection or response to the past and how it affects one’s present. As mentioned above, my most immediate creative inspirations were some family members. I come from a family of teachers who always encourage being studious. Studying art and other cultural history plus traveling opens your eyes to what is out there and what others are doing. For me, it was first fine arts, then design, and now craft. The creative people that inspire me most are the ones that are successful using an interdisciplinary approach in all of these genres.

What is the best thing about being an artist/creative person? What is the most difficult part?

The best thing is that I am constantly inspired and full of ideas. Creative people generally notice more details in life and are really tuned in to their environment. I get gratification out of making things with my hands and being clever with materials. I also enjoy getting compliments from people, even complete strangers and people that have found my work on the internet.

One of the most difficult parts is the feeling of not having enough time or space to realize creative ideas. Another difficulty is parting with your work when someone else desires it. Yet another frustration is the need to collect things and objects that might inspire me or become part of an art project. I have to keep my collections of stuff under control and somewhat in order. The silly thing is that I am constantly picking things up off the street and scouring junk shops. This can lead to personal connections with things and objects that can lead to a cluttered house!

What message do you hope to convey with your art/creative process?

In both my 2D work and my jewelry, I have a tendency to re-purpose old materials and things that generally have little value to most people, but that I find curious or interesting in form, design, or purpose. In a way I am preserve tiny snippets of the past, holding on to intimate moments on a small scale, making precious pieces out of non-precious materials. This seems to be the opposite approach to today’s mass culture.

What is art/design to you? How would you define art?

Art and design is a way of life for me. Aesthetics in general seep into everything. Either you are paying attention to them or you aren’t, but most people have an opinion about what they see, use, or experience. The definition of art is different for different people, of course. When looking at art and design, it is “art” to me if it moves me or attracts me in some way visually, and appears to be valid in a conceptual and/or technical way.

Do you listen to music when you work? If so who or what?

I've always been big into music, more than television. I was a radio DJ in college. I go through different phases of musical styles. Now that music and radio is digital, I can listen to anything from anywhere in the world. Lately, I listen to tango music, R&B, or alternative radio. If there is only commercial radio available, I prefer silence.

If you could go back in time 10 years knowing everything that you know now what would you change and why? Or what would you tell yourself?

I can’t really think of anything I would change. I have no regrets of the past 10 years. I know what I probably should have done, but I prefer what I wanted to do. Things need to happen naturally – you can’t really plan your life too much or predict its path – there are too many unknown denominators.

How have your two cultures affected your work?

Being influenced by 2 cultures has absolutely affected my work. The subject matter, materials, and scale changed once I came to Italy. I arrived with the idea of pursuing my interior architecture goals, but I went back toward fine arts and crafts. But being an expat also affects the work. Now that I have been away for over 13 years, I am beginning to grasp back at my childhood and memories of growing up in my culture. The further away I am in time and location, the more I feel the need to preserve these memories.

Who is your favorite artist/designer/writer/performer?

I usually get a mental block when asked about favorites, favorite anything…restaurant, even color! There are so many, and they change constantly. It all depends on what I am interested in the moment, what draws my attention. And with the vast potential of internet resources, I am constantly finding new favorites.

What is your favorite movie?

Again, it’s so hard to commit to a favorite because my impressions change constantly. I tend to like films that are dramatic, clever, and mentally challenging, although I need a good simple comedy once in a while too! A beautiful film I saw last year was Pina, by Wim Wenders. The imagery and music was amazing.

What is your favorite book?

I have to admit I read much less now than previously, mostly due to my internet use and computer work/research. Some books I really enjoyed over the past few years were: The Accordion Crimes, Middlesex, and The Kite Runner.

Describe yourself in five words.

Dedicated, nostalgic, multi-tasker, curious, night-owl

When you’re not being creative what do you do?

Life is full of those daily necessary tasks, work, etc. that can get in the way of being creative. When I have free time, I like to go to flea markets, see films, visit exhibitions, cook (and eat!), and tango.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?

I have chosen to live in Italy, a place that so many people around the world have at the top of their holiday list. I’ve been lucky to travel a bit internationally and have already gone to many places that I wanted to see, which tend to be major cities. One location I have yet to discover is Buenos Aires, now my top choice. And, I have never been on an exotic tropical beach vacation. Now I feel like I might need one!

Is there anything else that you want people to know about you?

To see my work, visit www.art925.com

Long Time No Post

2013-03-25T13:55:00.001+01:00

I'm finally feeling better after an awful week of the flu and fever. I am trying to get caught up with everything that I got behind on while lying in bed! Of course since I live in Italy that means it will take me twice as long. We spent most of the day on Saturday at hardware stores looking for a solution for the horribly dirty, scratched, scuffed up and motor oil stained floors in what was the garage and my soon to be studio. The floor is the last thing that needs to be finished before I actually get to move my stuff in. Of course we are looking for the most cost effective solution possible and I have been searching for ideas for weeks now. I've looked into everything from floor paint to contact paper, to using tile remnants that we already have. Finally I decided to go with this cool idea that I found on An Oregon Cottage. A decoupage floor using plan brown craft paper!

It seems simple enough and I must say it hasn't been too hard finding the paper and the right glue. But now it's time for the polyurethane varnish which has proven to be a bit more challenging to find. A direct translation of polyurethane doesn't work, it turns out that it's something else entirely here. So this morning we have been on the hunt for a product that will work. When we actually attempt to tell someone what we need it for we are met with crazy looks and lots of 'no, ma non si puo fare!' But we have no fear! We will find something, we're getting close and hopefully we will have a solution by the end of the day and by tomorrow afternoon we will be brushing on the final coat! Only time will tell. Wish us luck!

This is what my floor looks like at the moment. I decided to go with a more even, rectangular cut of paper rather than the torn pieces like the photo above (sorry about the photo quality, it was taken with my ipad)

This is another view, you can see a little bit of the old floor that I still need to cover. Let's hope this works!

Sick and Tired!

2013-03-14T19:44:00.001+01:00

When you're sick in bed with a stuffy nose, horrible cough, aches and pains everywhere and a fever of 39c, four days can seem like a lifetime. I seriously feel like my brains are going to come out my nose if I blow any harder! And my lungs must have some kind of permanent damage from the force of this cough! I have absolutely no time for the flu right now and by day two I was already getting incredibly impatient. But a lot of good that did me because I wasn't going anywhere! Good thing I have a super fat kitty to cuddle with and a very loving (and patient) husband to take care of me.

Of course I don't like to take medicine unless I absolutely have to and for the fever it was of course, tachiparina, the be all end all of fever relief for Italians. Personally I'd never heard of it before moving here, I'd always stuck to good ol' Tylenol or Aleve, but I must say, even though I had some ups and downs with the fever, tachiparina works wonders.

Aside from that, I did some searching around for natural decongestants and flu remedies and thanks to Pinterest, I found some good stuff. Most ingredients include copious amounts of honey, which is very helpful at appeasing a stubborn cough, lemon, ginger and garlic and my personal favorite, pepperoncino!

Here are a few ideas on how to fight your cold or flu without harsh chemicals:

This photo comes from the Health.com article Superfoods that Fight Colds

The Italians take health issues very seriously, for this I am extremely grateful. If you are in Florence and feeling like you need to see a doctor there are several options for you. For free walk-in services the Misericordia just outside the Duomo is easy to find and the staff is very nice and most of them speak (at least a little) English. Its very similar to the American idea of urgent care. Otherwise if your feeling especially awful and you just want someone who understands you, you can visit the British Dr. Steven Kerr near the porcellino market. You will also find pharmacies on almost every corner with their flashing green cross, and if that one isn't open, you will find a sign next to the door with the next closest open pharmacy. The pharmacy in Piazza Della Signoria is the only one I know of that is open 24 hrs. The pharmacists are very well trained and will happily help you find the right meds.

This afternoon I was finally able to peel myself out of bed for the first time all week and start moving around a bit. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be feeling well enough to go out for a little walk and take in some fresh air and SUN!!!!! because, yes, it as finally stopped raining (at lleast until Sunday) Take care of yourselves ya'll! This stuck at home in bed stuff is no fun at all!

Do you have any recommendations or feel better recipes that you would like to share? Let us know in the comments section below!

Contemporary Florence: an interview with Lisa Clifford

2013-03-08T14:44:00.000+01:00

As an artist and designer one of the most important influences for me are other artists and designers. I believe that having a community of like-minded people who share the same ideas and passions is essential to creativity. Art in its many forms is a language and I am continually fascinated by the message that other artists aim to communicate though their work
The ideas of the Renaissance masters was not to continue repeating the same ideas and methods but rather to continue pushing forward and create the new and unexpected and to challenge the perception of what art is while paying tribute to those that came before them. Contemporary art aims to push the boundaries of these accepted ideas and move away from the past to create the present. With this in mind, I will be conducting a series of interviews here on my blog to highlight the artists, designers and creative minds of present day Florence
In conjunction with our facebook group Creative People in Florence, I will be conducting these interviews with our group members. In the coming months I hope to be able to interview each member who is currently living in Florence as a way of highlighting their wide range of talents. The questions will be exactly the same for each artist/designer and creative person, what is fascinating are the similarities as well as the differences in the answers.

This week I am honored to have Lisa Clifford who was sixteen when she arrived in Florence for the first time, keen to experience life beyond her Australian convent-school and work out what she wanted to do with her future. Falling in love with a local was not part of the plan…(sound familiar?)

She has since authored two wonderful book, The Promise which I personally very much related to.

The Promise is the story of Lisa's long love affair with her Italian boyfriend, and of her love for Florence and the Tuscan mountains. But it is also the story of conflicting passions and cultural differences. Lisa's need for independence and equality made it difficult for her to fit in with the age-old traditions of an Italian family. She was torn between her desire to stay in Italy, and wanting to return home to Australia – to her family, to the way of life she knew and loved, to a career. Should she stay, or should she go?

Written with humour and passion, The Promise is about loss and heart-ache and growing up. Above all, it is a story that proves love does find a way - and that some promises are made to be broken.

And Death in the Mountains which, is the true story of the murder of Artemio Bruni, a peasant farmer in the mountains of Casentino, north-eastern Tuscany. Artemio was killed in 1907 and he was Lisa's husband’s great-grandfather.

"For reasons not understood by my husband’s family, Grandpa Artemio’s death was never investigated. It was not reported to the police, nor did Bruna Bruni, Artemio’s wife, ever demand justice. How could that be possible, I asked my mother-in-law – mafia? ‘No, no, you don’t understand,’ she answered. ‘Things were different in the mountains one hundred years ago. Grandpa and Grandma were poor farmers, no one could have cared less about them. Grandpa was a nobody and life was cheap in Tuscany then.’"

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I grew up in Sydney, Australia and moved to Italy when I was sixteen years old. I realized after falling in love with my now husband that I had to have a career and couldn’t live my life hanging around his house waiting for him to come back from work. I needed my own job! So I returned to Australia and won a scholarship to the Australian, Film, Television and Radio School and started a career in journalism that includes reporting for 2GB, Mix FM and Channel 10 news (that was my last job there, as associate producer of the Channel 10 Late News). So for eighteen years I traveled back and forth from Australia to Italy to see the love of my life whilst working and corresponding for TV and radio news services, magazines and newspapers. Now I write opinion pieces, guides and lifestyle articles on Italy for a range of Aussie and international publications. I wrote Walking Sydney (Pan Macmillan 1998), The Promise - an Italian Romance (Pan Macmillan 2004) and Death in the Mountains (Pan Macmillan 2008) and won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award that book (YIPPEE, we love awards). My new book, Naples – A Way of Love will be published by Penguin in November this year. I now live permanently in Florence with my hubbie Paolo and our two children, Natalia and Leo. I started The Art of Writing, an annual writers retreat in the second week of June in the mountains of Tuscany and fly international writers over to teach emerging and established writers. I have the best job in the world.

Why did you choose Florence or did Florence choose you?

My husband and I chose each other and he is Florentine. He is one of the few Italians I’ve ever met that does not want to move to Australia.

What is your favorite thing/place/sight in the city or all of the above?

Well, I actually love Casentino, the mountainous area of Tuscany where I have a house (my mother-in-law gave me her old farm house, Bless her!) and hold The Art of Writing retreats. It’s only an hour away but it’s an area that gives me strength. Somehow when I leave Casentino I am refreshed and able to face Florentine life head-on with brio and gusto. It must be the Aussie in me - Casentino is isolated, my house is in the middle of the woods and I need time there to recharge my batteries.

Was there a defining moment when you knew that you wanted to be an artist? If so when and what was it?

Apart from childbirth, no moment will compare with when I was offered my first book deal. The high! The joy! I was like a beetle on its back all squirmy and unable to get off the floor for happiness. That was my defining moment.

What or who is your greatest inspiration and why?

This will sound odd and possibly trite but all my friends on my professional Facebook page. They inspire me. They’re constant encouragement and enthusiasm for my work and for Italy fills me with inspiration. Writing is a very solitary business but they make me feel as though I am not alone in my office. They are in my office with me and they really are a great bunch of people.

What is the best thing about being an artist/creative person? What is the most difficult part?

Working from home and working from home.

What message do you hope to convey with your art/creative process?

My writing tends to lean towards isolated characters. I don’t know why, it’s just something that keeps coming out. Hopefully my readers don’t feel too alone when they are with my books and words.

What is art/design to you? How would you define art?

I had to help my son answer that question with his homework the other day. Expression probably. Self-expression, expression for and of the masses, communicating emotions and expressing those emotions. It always goes back to expression for me.

Do you listen to music when you work? If so who or what?

Complete silence please.

If you could go back in time 10 years knowing everything that you know now what would you change and why? Or what would you tell yourself?

I had a two year old and a four year old ten years ago. I was a lonely mum here. I would tell myself that I would make friends in Florence eventually.

How have your two cultures affected your work?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given a window into the lives of Tuscans. I write about Italians and if I went back to Australia to work as a journalist again I’d be like all the other journos, all competing for the same stories. Here I have the opportunity to delve into the Italian historical culture. Till now, the old farmers in my books have had no voice in the English world. It is an honour to translate for them and it is a joy to record their words.

Who is your favorite artist/designer/writer/performer?

I don't really have a favorite because I like so many.

What is your favorite movie?

I don't really have a favorite because I like so many.

What is your favorite book?

I don't really have a favorite because I like so many.

When you’re not being creative what do you do?

Walk Toto the dog, think about work, cook ALOT, read, hang out with my kids (that’s my favorite thing to do).

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?

Fes, Morocco.

Is there anything else that you want people to know about you?

I like to encourage people to write. I love to help emerging writers believe in themselves and their stories. It lifts me up to lift others up.

Lisa will be conducting a Creative Writing Course in the Tuscan Mountains this June. You can find more information at The Art of Writing. You can also connect with Lisa on her facebook page to find out what she's up to. Both of Lisa's books are available for purchase here in Florence at The Paperback Exchange

(February) and March Madness

2013-03-06T19:12:00.004+01:00

Spring is around the corner, the sun has been teasing us and came out for a few days but it looks like grey skies are back for the rest of the week and through the weekend.

The current view from my courtyard

Winter around here is usually pretty quiet so I'm always looking for ways to keep myself busy and aside from spending my mornings with an incredibly handsome five month old, much of the busy-ness seems to involve Pinterest and crack, aka Nutella. It's bad, I'm telling ya. I always save my glass jars and I've counted 5 Nutella jars so far, and that's been in the last month. They're not the big daddy jars, but still, that averages us at a little over a jar per week. I usually buy the medium sized jar, cause, ya know, I always say well, we're not really going to use all that, I mean its only to have a little something in the house in case we get a sweet craving......Except that on my Monday afternoon grocery run, I actually broke down and bought the 750g jar, it's going to save us money in the long run....OMG! What have I become?

These Nutella cookies are from Lovin in the Oven and they are so simple to make. Dangerously simple. So simple in fact that my husband actually made them himself the other night, and for those of you who know my husband you know how incredible that is. They have been making an appearance around here at least once a week. And then the the night things got a little out of control and somehow they ended up with a scoop of stracciatella gelato in between them. oooops! So bad but oh so good!

And then there's the banana nutella muffins. Also pretty simple, just swirl a little nutella into the batter before they go in the oven. This recipe and photo come from the Novice Chef (mine don't look anywhere near this pretty) They've been breakfast all week

And then there are these brownies that are like heaven. This recipe from honey & jam doesn't have Nutella in it, but I fixed that and added a half cup then topped them with some gelato alla crema, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. This really was an exception, it was our Valentines day dessert :)

And then of course there's the Nutella on bread and swirled in greek yogurt, see it can be heathy, and.....oh who am I kidding, by the spoonful ok! Straight into my mouth!! Oh my, this has to stop..........

......but I still have a half jar left. Do you have any Nutella recipes to share?

Contemporary Florence: An Interview with Kenneth Peter Scott

2013-03-01T11:31:00.005+01:00

Happy Friday everyone! My apologizes for not being incredibly active this week. I have been organizing, cleaning and priming walls for paint in my soon to be studio! Its almost ready! Almost! But enough about me, today is Friday and of course that means another creative Florentine artist is amongst us. This week I have Kenneth Peter Scott, a jewelry craftsman and teacher. I hope you will enjoy getting to know a little bit about him and his designs. You can find more information on his website including courses if you are interested in learning to make jewelry yourself, as well as follow him on his facebook page!

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I have been living and working in Florence for 14 years. I am originally from New Zealand and was invited to Italy, on a 6 month, contract to take up the position of designer/model-maker in the design and development department of a major jewelry manufacturer in Florence, a position I held for 5 years.

In 2000 I initiated my own manufacturing business, a fully equipped professional studio that continues to operate from an important Design Academy in Florence , “Art Studio Fuji” where I teach and create collections for my own range and commissioned pieces for private customers.

I have 35 years f experience in the craft of Jewelry and Art History which has led to invitations from various Florentine Universities to teach Advanced Jewelry Techniques and Design, positions I still hold to this day.

I was born in New Zealand, and took a boy-hood interest in collecting and polishing stones and eventually became a Jewelry apprentice under one of New Zealand ’s foremost master craftsman, I also continued to study Art and Art history, as well as sculpture and bronze casting methods. This training and study period led me to open my first Jewelry Studio which I operated for 15 years, distributing my collections through out New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Basin . Both my Jewelry and Sculpture have been featured in many exhibitions in Group and Trade Shows as well as in One person gallery exhibitions.

Why did you choose Florence or did Florence choose you?

My last apprentice was living and working in Florence, her employer asked me to come to Florence as a consultant, so Florence chose me.

What is your favorite thing/place/sight in the city or all of the above?

My favorite sights would be the Arno on a misty evening, Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Santo Spirito on a market day, dining at the many Trattorias in Florence(The Fagoli) and the view of Florence from Fiesole

Was there a defining moment when you knew that you wanted to be an artist? If so when and what was it?

I have never considered myself as an “Artist” I practice my craft therefore I consider myself a “Craftsman”. There was never a defining moment as such, I have always worked with my hands as I came from a background of sculptors and artisans

What or who is your greatest inspiration and why?

Natural forms will always inspire me, other Artists I respect would be Klimt, Bernini, Lalique and of course Michalangelo

What is the best thing about being an artist? What is the most difficult part?

The best thing about being an Artist is not being one, to have the freedom to ply you trade and craft is to me the most enjoyable---there is no need to live up to the perceived label of “Artist”

What is art/design to you? How would you define art?

Oh Dear!!!! That is an impossible question to answer..Define ART ???

Do you listen to music when you work? If so who or what?

Yes I will listen to any music that suits my mood from baroque to the Tango. I love operatic tenor voices and Bob Dylan still talks to me as well as Tom Waits. So my taste in Music is really broad—I do though take exception to Rap music –UGH !!

If you could go back in time 10 years knowing everything that you know now what would you change and why? Or what would you tell yourself?

I would tell myself to carry on the path you have chosen, do not change one thing –you are a very lucky person---celebrate it!!!

How have your two cultures affected your work?

I am still very much influenced by my Maori heritage in New Zealand, living here in Florence has reinforced my love for sculpture, I also admire the Florentine methods of Jewellery

Who is your favorite artist/designer/writer/performer?

Artists---Repin, Gianbologna,Klimt,Michalangelo

Designers—Erte,Lalique and Mucha

Writers—Chekov, Marques,Ken Follett, Anias Nin,Katherine Mansfield ,Stienbeck and countless others ---I devour books!!!

Performer---Anthony Hopkins .Johnny Depp, Daniel Day Lewis

What is your favorite movie?

Amelie

What is your favorite book?

The Pillars of the Earth

Describe yourself in five words.

Tall, moody, weird sense of humor,--the rest I would leave to others.

When you’re not being creative what do you do?

Read, listen to music or stroll around Florence , people watching

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?

Home to New Zealand, but After 17 years Florence is now my Home.

Is there anything else that you want people to know about you?

Not really, if anyone is interested you can find me on facebook

Monday Musings: Contemporary Jewelry

2013-02-25T13:34:00.000+01:00

Since we have been working very hard to turn the garage into my studio, I haven't had much time or a place to get creative so I am living vicariously through these amazing artists at the moment! Today I will be taking some photos of the studio in progress, it's a big mess but it will be fun to document it and show you the before and afters. For now enjoy these amazing pieces. Can't wait to get my hands dirty!

Denise Julia Reytan

Wenhui Li

Belles Bejewelled Multiple loops of black bounded leather

Marie-André Côté (ceramic)

Jasmin Winter

Janna Syvanoja

Noritami Jewery

Elfrun Lach

Barbara Stutman

Jasmin Winter

Lucy Sarneel

Frida Gustavsson | Neiman Marcus Spring 2013

Natalya Pinchuk

Radà

Ana Hagopian

Sarah Hood

Peter Chang

Doris Maninger and Lucia Massei

gemma redux

Casa Kiro Joyas

Anke Hennig - textile jewelry

ANGELA O'KELLY

Contemporary Florence: An interview with Claudia Tulifero

2013-02-22T08:55:00.000+01:00

illuminated letter on parchment, egg tempera, pure pigments,
genuine lapislazzuli and gold leaf 23 3/4

Welcome back to another Friday interview! This week I have a wonderful Q and A from one of the artists who keeps the city alive by passionately restoring historic works and creating new ones with traditional techniques and materials. The incredibly talented Claudia Tulifero can be found working in her studio on Borgo San Jacapo 11, so if you are in Florence be sure to stop by and have a look at her work in person. You can also find her work online in her Etsy shop or you can stop by her blog to see what she's up to! Claudia's work was also recently sold in the Getty Musuem gift shop in Los Angeles during the Dawn of the Renaissance exhibit.

Since Claudia gave her answers in Italian, I decided to leave her original response in the interview. Enjoy!

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I was born in Cagliari in Sardegna where I lived until I graduated high school. In 1193 I moved to Florence to study restauration of historic art works and I graduated from the University of International Art with a degree in Museumology and restuaration of painted works on wood and canvas, sculpture in both wood and stone. After I graduated I began working in various studios and eventually began a long collaboration in the study of the Sinopia technique with Stefania Bracci and Enrico Remori where I began to work in the field of traditional decoration. In 2003 I opened my own alelier in the historic center of Florence where along with my restoration work I also create my own new work using exclusively traditional techniques such as freso, gold leaf and miniatures.

Sono nata a Cagliari in Sardegna dove ho vissuto fino al diploma del liceo. Nel 1993 mi sono trasferita a Firenze per studiare restauro di opere d'arte e mi sono diplomata nel 1995 all' Università Internazionale d'Arte in Museologia e Restauro dipinti su tavola e tela, scultura lignea e lapidea. Dopo il diploma ho incominciato la pratica in vari studi fino alla lunga collaborazione con lo studio di restauro Sinopia di Stefania Bracci e Enrico Remori dove ho cominciato a lavorare anche nel campo della decorazione tradizionale. Nel 2003 ho aperto il mio atelier nel centro storico di Firenze dove affianco la mi attività di restauro alla creazione di opere moderne realizzate escusivamente con tecniche tradizionali come l'affresco, la doratura e la miniatura.

Why did you choose Florence or did Florence choose you?

I chose Florence for her traditional methods in the field of restauration and craft. I chose to open my atelier on the Oltrearno because this is and always has been the traditional artisans quarters of the city.

Ho scelto Firenze per la sua lunga tradizione nel campo del restauro e dell'artigianato e ho scelto l'Oltrarno come sede del mio atelier perchè era il quartiere artigiano.

illumination on parchment, egg tempera, pure pigments and gold leaf 23 3/4

What is your favorite thing/place/sight in the city or all of the above?

The Church of Santa Santa Felicità, it’s a very special place.

La chiesa di Santa Felicità, è un luogo speciale.

Was there a defining moment when you knew that you wanted to be an artist? If so when and what was it?

I don’t think there was a precise moment, but I always knew I wanted to be an artist. Maybe it was when I was 10 years old and for Christmas my parents gave me a box of pure pigment to make my own oil color and I created a copy of Rafael’s La Velata on canvas with the colors I had made.

Non so precisamente il momento, ma ho sempre voluto esserlo, forse a 10 anni per Natale quando i miei genitori mi regalarono una scatola di pigmenti puri per fare i colori a olio e feci una copia della velata di Raffaello su tela con i colori realizzati da me.

copy of Crivelli egg tempera on wood, pure pigments, genuine lapislazzuli and gold leaf 23 3/4

detail of a copy of Crivelli

What or who is your greatest inspiration and why?

My inspiration just by walking through the city and looking up to find the beautifully decorated facades in sgraffiti and freso.

La mia ispirazione viene anche dal solo passeggiare nella città e alzare lo sguardo ai decori delle facciate a graffito e ad affresco.

What is the best thing about being an artist?

To wake up every morning with a new idea, have the ability to realize that idea and eventually to sell it.

Alzarsi ogni mattina con un'idea nuova. Realizzarla e venderla.

What message do you hope to convey with your art/creative process?

To rediscover the importance traditional techniques and materials, such as how pigment is transformed into color.

La tradizione e la riscoperta delle tecniche antiche, le materie prime come i pigmenti trasformati in colori.

What is art/design to you? How would you define art?

A necessity, and a way to transmit emotion.

Una necessità per trasmettere le proprie emozioni.

giding a frame

fresco painting in a wood tabernacle

Do you listen to music when you work? If so who or what?

Absolutely, I need music to concentrate. I adore Baroque music and Queen.

Certamente si, ma ho bisogno di musica che conosco per essere concentrata, adoro la musica barocca e I Queen.

If you could go back in time 10 years knowing everything that you know now what would you change and why? Or what would you tell yourself?

I wouldn’t want to change anything, but I would dedicate more time to research.

Non vorrei cambiare niente, avrei più tempo per dedicarmi alla ricerca.

How have your two cultures affected your work?

In my work I am very influenced by Medieval and Renaissance culture as well Japanese culture.

Nel mio lavoro sono influenzata tanto dalla cultura del Medioevo e Rinascimento italiano ma anche da altre culture come quella giapponese.

Who is your favorite artist/designer/writer/performer?

Carlo Crivelli

What is your favorite movie?

The Duellists

What is your favorite book?

The count of Montecristo, I have been a big fan of Dumas since childhood.

“Il conte di Montecristo”, sono un'apassionata lettrice di Dumas dall'infanzia.

fresco sgraffito

Describe yourself in five words.

Art restorer, painter of traditional techniques.

Restauratrice d'arte e pittrice di tecniche antiche.

When you’re not being creative what do you do?

I study ancient manuscripts online, read comic books and I like to cook.

Studio manoscritti antichi online, leggo fumetti, cucino.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?

France or Japan

Francia e Giappone.

Is there anything else that you want people to know about you?

I am a collector of shoes!.....and more!

Sono collezionista di scarpe...e non solo!

The Green-Eyed Monster...

2013-02-21T10:00:00.000+01:00

...has a huge head and two faces and it lives in the Valley of the Arno river. It comes up for air quite often and it stings and bites and starts many fights. It will catch you off guard when you're minding your own business and working so hard and usually when you least expect it....

The Green-Eyed Monster has grown quite big, menacing and attacking and seeking its revenge on anyone who tries to beat it or outdo it in anyway. Maybe its always lived here, I don't know. Maybe it was born way back in the Renaissance when Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci lived here. Probably.

The one thing I do know is that it must be taken down once and for all because it is slowly tormenting and killing those of us who are just trying to live our lives and do our own thing. And it is destroying an incredible city.

Florence is a small city with a lot to offer. There is something for everyone here. Art, food, fashion, sports, and lots and lots of different cultures, in fact most of the globe is represented in this dense little city. But the Green-Eyed Monster doesn't like this, no it doesn't, not one little bit.

From Tour guides to hotels, from restaurants to shop keepers, The Green-Eyed Monster is swallowing this city whole. There are way too many examples for me to list here, but they range from false reviews on travel sites to public attacks and slander to defacing property.

Why? Because The Green-Eyed Monster doesn't like when someone else has a better idea. Or has worked hard to accomplish their goals. Instead it believes that [he and he] alone deserves all the glory. And it is absolutely convinced that their fabulous ideas have been stolen by these evaders, because certainly, no one else could possibly have an idea nearly as fabulous as theirs.

When I first expressed my thoughts on becoming a jewelry designer and artist to a professional who has been in the business for over 25 years, the first thing she said to me was, 'just remember that for every good idea you have, there are at least 20 other people out there who have the same exact idea' meaning that no matter how unique you think you are, Green-Eyed Monster, there is always someone else who is thinking just like you.

So my question is this. Why do you think that trying to eliminate someone will solve your problems? Why are you willing to spend all of your time and energy trying to get someone else to fail instead of using that time and energy to improve your own ideas? (And your customer service could use some attention while your at it, dear Green -Eyed Monster)

There is no logic to this line of thinking. None. And the longer you continue your vindictive rage the longer it is going to take YOU to be successful. Seems obvious no?

Stop acting like a spoiled child and stomping your feet when you don't get your way. If you want something, work for it and stop expecting it to just be handed to you. Others have worked for it too.

Here's a thought, why not work together? Why not help others who have the same experience as you? Why not grow from each other’s ideas? Its called COLLABORATION! If you were to take a look at some of the most successful and wealthiest countries in the world, you will see that one of the most important things that they have in common are their ideas on teamwork.

You need to get over yourself, Green-Eyed Monster. You need to get over the idea that you are entitled to something more then the person next to you. Or that you are smarter or better qualified. Start accepting the fact that there are many different types of people in this world and that your success depends on their success. Together we can ALL be successful!

And really, for the love of all things Tuscan, there are an average of 10 million tourists per year in Florence, making it one of the most visited cities in the world!

Where exactly, do you get the impression that there is not going to be enough work to go around? You should be welcoming collaborators with open arms, how in the world can one little monster possibly accommodate and serve and appeal to the taste of all of those people?

So I say to you, Green-Eyed Monster, it's time for you to go. Your bitterness and jealousy and torment have no place here. And what you don't seem to understand is that you are destroying, not only your own personal happiness, but this incredible city.

A letter to the ladies

2013-02-20T10:25:00.001+01:00

Dear American girl I saw last night wearing the sheer sleeveless blouse in February,

I don't want to be a b*tch, really I don't but......

.....For the love of God PUT SOME CLOTHES ON! You look like an idiot! I don't care if your from Minnesota or upstate New York, it's 35° and windy and its cold outside! Seriously, I wanted to stop in the middle of the street and say this to you but I contained myself. You're embarrassing and your disrespectful. Yes disrespectful. Staying warm is a very important to Italians and covering your self in the middle of winter is a very important part of their culture. Be respectful and PUT SOME CLOTHES ON!!!

Sincerely,
Sara (13 year American expat)

P.S. this goes for all of you wearing flip flops in the middle of winter or when it's raining outside. You look super silly. When in Florence kids...when in Florence.....

Contemporary Florence: An Interview with Emily Taranto-Kent

2013-02-15T11:23:00.000+01:00

The weeks are flying by! I can hardly believe it! Friday again! I have a very interesting interview for you this week from Emily Taranto-Kent. I hope you enjoy getting to know a little bit about her and her work. You can find more of Emily's work on her web site. She has also just opened a new Atelier here in the center of Florence, where she makes both alterations and new creations!

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

"I was born in Boston, and my parents moved our family to a small town south of the city when I was a child. I grew up there, in an idyllic setting, and went back to Boston for college. I had the opportunity to spend extended periods in Italy, Israel, and Mexico during those years. After graduating, I moved around a bit, living in some of the most exciting cities in the USA as a freelancer. It was worthwhile. I have friends and family around the world, and enjoy keeping in touch with them. I have been really fortunate to have lived, worked, and studied in different countries. Now I live in Florence, and operate an atelier here. I am an artist and designer. I started fashion work at a very early age, and made almost all my own clothing as a teen. Also, art work has always been very important to me. I have done a lot of work in printmaking, for example. I’d like to combine print with fashion someday. There are many things I would like to do."

Why did you choose Florence or did Florence choose you? “Florence and I chose each other. Back in 2003, when I first I set foot in Italy, I was overwhelmed with a positive feeling, like being embraced by mother. I visited Milan, Florence, Naples, and the Aeolian Islands, where I have family. I discovered that I was an Italian citizen by birthright. In 2007, I began to document this so that I could have dual citizenship and live in Italy. My application sat untouched in the vital records office on the island of Lipari for four years. In 2011, I was offered the opportunity to attend a master’s program in fashion design here in Florence fully paid. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse. The school also had campuses in Milan and Rome, but I took the original suggestion to come to Florence, because I am an artist. After I made my decision to study in Florence, I discovered that my own mother had studied art in Florence! When the vital records office in Lipari got wind of my plans to relocate for school, they processed my paperwork immediately and I was granted dual citizenship! In one crazy daytrip in my father’s Buick from Montreal to Manhattan, we made it to the Consulate General’s office just in time to get my passport before the office closed, and I would have to leave the country.”

What is your favorite thing/place/sight in the city or all of the above? “I particularly like the Piazza Santa Trinita. It is the first thing that comes to mind. I have really liked the feel of that piazza since I’ve been here, even when it was under construction. I love to go to Isabelle for coffee or lunch too.”

Was there a defining moment when you knew that you wanted to be an artist? If so when and what was it? “No. It’s not a choice. I can tell you that there have been many moments in my life when I did not want to be an artist – to be anything but an artist. But, I didn’t get a choice in the matter. It’s just what I am. I do remember when I first began to realize it: I was about twenty-two (in very sunny room in Boston, reclining under a fishtail palm tree).”

What or who is your greatest inspiration and why? “I’m uninspired (laughing). Just kidding… The love in my life: others inspire me, nature, the possibility of a better world…”

What is the best thing about being an artist? What is the most difficult part? “You get to make art. You have to sell it.”

What message do you hope to convey with your art/creative process? “Love and peace, of course.”

What is art/design to you? How would you define art? “To me, art is something to be observed; the products of design are to be used. They are very different, and require different skills. However, there is some overlap in the creative process. For example, I draw preliminary sketches to create clothing and also to create paintings. But, the drawings are very different. They require different techniques to create. Not only that. The products are very different. The paintings are meant to last a long time, and only to be looked-at, while the clothing is meant to be used for a much shorter period time and then replaced. Generally, I think of designed objects as things that are meant to be handled with some purpose in mind. Art one does not touch much, if at all, and serves its purpose in being. That’s a wonderful concept to me – a made object that serves its purpose just by existing. It has already done its job the moment it reaches completion. Many designed objects are shown, like art, however they are also used. Anything can be called art. But in the end, it’s all a matter of semantics.”

Do you listen to music when you work? If so who or what? “Sometimes. I try to choose carefully because music has an effect on my work. I used to listen to a lot of the late Ravi Shankar’s music. I like western classical music too, and many more popular genres. But, I prefer to work in silence.”

If you could go back in time 10 years knowing everything that you know now what would you change and why? Or what would you tell yourself? “I would tell myself to believe in myself.”

How have your two cultures affected your work? “It’s really hard to say. The cultures are so intertwined... I have more than two cultures. I assume that question refers to Italian and American cultures: Italian culture has helped me to enrich the quality of my work, while American culture has inspired me with the ambition to create it in the first place.”

Who is your favorite artist/designer/writer/performer? Me!

What is your favorite movie? Love and Other Disasters.

What is your favorite book? Moby Dick. But, the reason is not the advanced writing, the fact that I’m from New England, nor the wonderful first line ‘Call me Ishmael.’ (Who could beat that? Not me.) It’s because when my high school class read this together, I answered a question about it so well, from the back of the class, that the teacher (an Italian-American) made a big emotional fuss and moved me up to the front and center desk, displacing one of the head cheerleaders. It was absolutely awesome.”

Describe yourself in five words. I am not an idiot.

When you’re not being creative what do you do? I’m always being creative! …Well, I can be found walking my dogs around Florence, eating, sleeping, poking around facebook; I like to practice insight meditation and yoga, go to the gym, travel, go to the movies, listen to music, nice stuff like that.”

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? I can go anywhere in the world that I would want to go.

Buon San Valentino!

2013-02-14T14:24:00.000+01:00

Ho Paura

2013-02-12T14:16:00.001+01:00

For the past 6 years all I have ever wanted was an art studio of my own, in fact, for as long as I can remember, all I have ever wanted was an art studio. And now the time has finally come. It's almost here. I am currently in the process of choosing a paint color for the walls and all of a sudden I'm terrified. Scared to death, paralyzed in fact. I should be excited, I should be bouncing off of those soon to be painted walls and planning the decor. Instead, I'm filled with anxiety and what almost feels like depression, I've even been a bit snappy with the hubby lately and mind you he's the one doing all the work! (God bless him).

All of the creativity and passion that once seemed so natural and flowing to me is gone. I can't think of one new thing that I want to make when I finally get that table set up and my paints and clay organized. Nothing. Nulla. Niente.

Could it be that this is not what I really want?....

…Of course it is but as it turns out, I'm scared. What if I'm terrible at it? What if no one likes my work? What if no one understands me? Then what? What will I do? What if I am attacked by angry, jealous vultures, or eaten by cannibals?

I don’t believe in coincidence. In fact I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, no matter how big or how small.

Yesterday afternoon I sat down at my still - safe - inside my apartment - behind closed doors – worktable for the first time this year. I was trying desperately to force myself to create something new and exciting. Trying to understand why I wasn’t feeling inspired these days, thinking that it must be this weather, it’s cold and grey and I haven’t gotten out much lately. I didn’t feel like listening to music, which is strange because I always listen to music when I work, so decided to turn on TED talks instead. I listened to a few that I had bookmarked and then I began to scroll through and search for others and that’s when I came across one titled ‘What fear can teach us’, and as I sat there kneading some clay with my fingers, not knowing what to do with it, somehow I was not relating to it. I just simply sat there listening the story and chuckling to myself at its irony, again never thinking for one minute that it had anything to do with me.

I mean, I’ve never been afraid of anything in my life. Well, not really afraid anyway. Why would I be now? I packed up everything I owned in two suitcases and moved to a foreign country by myself, what could I possibly be afraid of? At least that's what I tried to tell myself anyway.

I went about my evening and eventually shaped the clay into a few simple pieces, nothing exciting or new and then went and made some dinner.

And then this morning when checked my facebook newsfeed I saw this great post from Artists not Armies. It was as if they were talking right to me.

And that is when I finally realized what this is all about. I’m afraid. And that’s okay. What’s important is what I do with that fear.

Right now I cannot say what I will do. Fear is a strange emotion. As Karen Thompson Walker says we generally think of it as negative or hurtful, but I am now beginning to understand that it can disguise itself in many ways without us ever realizing that it's there.

I don’t really know how else to end this other than to say that I feel a sudden lightness, as if a weight as been lifted off my shoulders. Not because I am no longer afraid, but simply because I am finally able to identify this plaguing emotion. I can now see why I have been trying to distract myself and focus on things other then my own work. And hopefully by identifying it I will also be able to let it go. I will instead sail for the nearest island and face the cannibals.

What are your greatest fears? Tell me in the comments below.

Contemporary Florence: An interview with Julie Lombardi

2013-02-08T15:05:00.000+01:00

In conjunction with our facebook group Creative People in Florence, I will be conducting these interviews with our group members. In the coming months I hope to be able to interview each member who is currently living in Florence as a way of highlighting their wide range of talents. The questions will be exactly the same for each artist/designer and creative person, what is fascinating are the similarities as well as the differences in the answers.

I can hardly believe that its Friday again! Of course that means I have another great interview for you with the lovely Julie Lombardi. Her new line of women's shoes are absolutely fabulous! I want every pair. Have a look at her designs and learn a little bit about what inspires her to create!

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

After graduating from Parsons School of Design in 2000 I ventured on to work within the fashion business in New York and later on to Italy. I always knew that I innately was drawn to bring beauty to the things that I created. Growing up, I loved learning new crafts and discovering new mediums to create with, I then started to focus in and wanted to create what I really loved. I appreciated my Mother’s and Aunt’s closets to understand what was elegant and timeless worn again by me only to confirm the style I had inherited. I began to break down the boundaries that were how fashion was commercially viewed and thereafter decided to follow what I thought was right. I started my footwear career with Vince Camuto and I am grateful for the education that he and other mentors continue to offer me.

I am now starting my first solo collection For The Love of Jules with this idea that I have gathered to always push the envelope, educating the customer by offering a craft of Made in Italy shoes, never compromising style and comfort for the modern woman.

I believe success is achieved by following your heart and therefore always making room for great vision.

Why did you choose Florence or did Florence choose you?

I started my fascination with Florence when I decided to study here in 1998 only to return in 2002 for a few years and then again in 2009 when I returned again from New York to work with a fashion house. I kept getting pulled back each time with a different intention but the last time purely chose me which I happily accepted and soon will continue to admire it from afar.

Seriously? How great is this shoe?!

What is your favorite thing/place/sight in the city or all of the above?

I am still taken back when I glance up at the duomo.

I love the rose garden just below Piazzale Michelangelo and taking walks through the boboli gardens which are just a few steps from my home.

Was there a defining moment when you knew that you wanted to be an artist? If so when and what was it?

Creating has always been part of my process, shoes happen to be one of the things that I enjoy working on..

What or who is your greatest inspiration and why?

My grandmother is my greatest inspiration.

She is a pinnacle example of strength, femininity and a pure demonstration of love for me.

What is the best thing about being an artist? What is the most difficult part?

The freedom to start with a blank canvas and the most difficult part would be self-discipline

What message do you hope to convey with your art/creative process?

trusting my vision to stay focused on what is authentic

What is art/design to you? How would you define art?

Art is: Transmitting your genius.

How I define it: Art is how one transmits what is inside to the outside

I want both pair of these sandals for summer!

Do you listen to music when you work? If so who or what?

It’s vital.. The xx, James Morrison, Ray LaMontagne and Lana del Rey

I also love John Leggend and Common

If you could go back in time 10 years knowing everything that you know now what would you change and why? Or what would you tell yourself?

I don’t live with regrets, but if I needed to pick something I would have studied design in Paris.

How have your two cultures affected your work?

It has given me more clarity and allowed my to deepen my understanding of myself and my craft.

Who is your favorite artist/designer/writer/performer?

Martin Margiela, YSL, and Halston

What is your favorite movie?

Sense and Sensibility

What is your favorite book?

Proof of heaven by Eben Alexander

Describe yourself in five words.

A seeker of truth, loving, strong, feminine, with a trademark laugh

When you’re not being creative what do you do?

Getting inspired.

Living in Italy has allowed me to travel much more because of how easy it is to travel in Europe. I am very intrigued by the different cultures that are geographically so close to each other yet so different especially in Europe.

I love learning, meeting new friends and good wine.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?

I love, love the South of France but I would love to discover Israel, India and more of Spain.

Is there anything else that you want people to know about you?

Stay true to your heart and be humble.

*I also would like to wish Julie a very Happy Birthday today!! Auguri Jules! Julie will also be returning to New York City next week where she will develop her line. She will however, come visit us here in Florence often. Good Luck with your new adventure Julie!

Cindy Sherman at The Gucci museum

2013-02-07T14:47:00.002+01:00

Cindy Sherman is currently showing at the Gucci Museum in Florence. A great show consisting of her early work from 1976. Cindy Sherman is an American artist who uses photography as her medium and is always uses herself as the model. She dresses the part and fits the role becoming the various characters she portrays. Often times it is extremely difficult to find any trace of the artist the images. She pushes the images and ay preconceived notions regarding status, gender and race. She questions stereotypes in a provocative and fascinating way. I've always been a big fan and I am very excited to see her in Florence. You can find more info here.

Rules of Engagement: How to Shop in Italy

2013-02-05T11:47:00.000+01:00

Angela Caputi bracelets

So we know that there is definitely no shortage of shopping here in Florence and like most gals I loooove to shop. Italy is of course famous for its fashion and Florence has a few famous designers of its own like Roberto Cavalli, Patrizia Pepe, and Salvatore Ferragamo, who isn't technically Florentine (he's originally form Napoli), but loved it so much here that he bought a gorgeous villa in the hills of Fiesole overlooking the city where his grandchildren still live to this day, and one of my personal favorites, Angela Caputi.

But there are a few things you should know about shopping in Italy, especially if you are American.

We Americans are used to a whole different standard of customer service complete with the warm greeting when we walk in the door to asking if they can start a dressing room for us when they see even one article of clothing in our hand. The salesperson is always checking up on us when we're trying things on and asking how everything is fitting and if they can bring us a different size in anything or perhaps even making suggestions based on the items we've brought in to try on.

Well my friends, the reality is that unless you are shopping at Gucci, where I assume they would be this attentive, although I wouldn't really know since I've never actually shopped at Gucci, don't expect this kind of attentiveness in Italy. If you are lucky you may get a shop keeper who gives you a smile and possibly says 'Salve' as you walk in but that's about as far as the service goes. For better or worse, this is just how things generally work.

And if you do happen to have a question, be prepared to feel as if you are disturbing them and that they are being put out by you actually asking them to do their job!

Another thing to keep in mind when shopping in Italy is that there is a NO REFUND policy. They will not give you your money back. Ever. Period.

I've seen it happen. I've been in stores where American shoppers will come in with something they've purchased the day before expecting their money back only to get upset. I've even heard them say, 'well in the US they give us our money back in your store.' And to that you should probably expect their response to be something, like, 'Your not IN the US.'

You can exchange your item, but you will not be refunded.

So before you buy anything here be sure that you really want it or at the very least there is something else in the store that you would want as an alternative. And be sure you try it on. You will not be able to exchange anything to another store location other than the one you actually purchased it in either. Most (big name) stores here are franchised meaning that they operate under a major company name but they are privately owned. Or they are small unique boutiques, which personally I prefer. And just to note that is a whole other experience entirely.

In my personal opinion, this is incredibly poor business practice. There is a very precise mentality and psychology as to why stores in the US allow refunds. Think about it. If I know that I can bring something back if I change my mind I am more likely to buy it, however, chances are I'm going to think about it a little longer and won't ever end up bringing it back. Thus, resulting in more sales. Us women do things like that. We hang things in our closets thinking that some day we are going to find a use for it. If we like it enough to buy it we'll like it enough to hope that we may actually use it some day! duh!

Of course there is the thinking that if refunds are allowed people will purchase things and wear them and then bring them back resulting in quality issues. Of course this happens, but rarely and that profit loss is definitely minimal in comparison. But hey who am I to tell them how to run their business.

As for customer service, well this is a no-brainer, if I walk into a store and someone is rude or has a superiority complex, well guess what? I'm turing around and walking out. So for this reason, I can't really feel sorry for them when they have to close down after only a few months of business.

I hope this helps and gives you an idea of what to expect while shopping in Italy!

Got questions? Have a shopping story you want to share? Tell me in the comments below!

* Please note that my statements here are general. There are indeed many shops where you will find nice helpful staff. In my experience however, this is usually in the boutiques where the owner is also the shop keeper. These are the best places to shop anyway, your getting unique handmade or vintage products you won't find anywhere else in the world and you are supporting small local businesses and people who are living their dreams!

One Billion Rising: Flashmob Firenze!

2013-02-04T13:38:00.000+01:00

The Global Theater Project Flash Mob is coming to FLORENCE!!!! Join in for a great cause and be part of an important event. All the details are listed below as well as the video of the dance to learn.

One in three women on this planet will be beaten or raped in her lifetime

One billion violated is an atrocity

One billion woman (AND THOSE WHO LOVE THEM!) dancing is a REVOLUTION!

The Global Theatre Project’s Creative Campus Global Initiative is proud to participate in the global movement to end violence against women . . . One Billion Rising!

Women AND Men join us on February 14th in Piazza Repubblica, Florence at 15.00 for

A FLASHMOB
With spoken word, street puppets and DANCING!

To Learn The Dance, See Video Below!!!

The Global Theatre Project representatives will be collecting donations for Centro Antiviolenza Artemisia

Public rehearsals throughout the city will take place from February 5th through the 13th. Locations and Times to be announced soon.

To get on the mailing list for updated information on this project as we move forward: info@theglobaltheatreproject.org

Facebook Event

Website Information

Monday Musings: Cream and White

2013-02-04T12:17:00.000+01:00

As much as I love bright colors, sometimes the purity and simplicity of cream and white are just as inspiring. It's almost like a blank canvas, except these pieces are perfect just the way they are! So here is a little inspiration for your Monday!

Vignette Antiques

Anthropologie

Also Anthropologie

Anthro Again

The Chicago Life Blog

Jean Paul Gaultier