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We are still waiting for rain on this parched island. We can feel the seasonal change in temperatures, but the sun is still with us for another while...
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| Bye to my magical Saturna Island studio! Photo taken just before leaving for grand trip. |
Are you thoroughly delighted with this prospect of nearly a year in Europe? A bit overwhelmed?
A little unsure about leaving the familiar context of your studio, workplace,
friends, your familiar work routines, even your local sources of inspiration or
diversion? What about missing the round of local art shows, including those in
which you typically participate, for example? No
longer rooted in your usual activities, and leaving your familiar sights to travel
and live in different places with few expectations but much anticipation, you
become an artist-en-route.
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Some of the art materials to pack in airplane suitcases.
I'm pleased to think you might come along with me on some of
my European travels and art experiences. I'll be sharing them with you in this
column. Not quite sure what we'll encounter.
The plan is to have an adventure in creative living -- however and wherever we
find it ... and make it!
We'll be living primarily in France and Italy, with excursions
south to Sicily and east as far as the Adriatic (maybe even across it). Here's our general itinerary.
We start with an overnight in London. Then Provence for
several months, that beautiful area of southern France, birthplace of Cézanne
and nurturing grounds for Picasso, Van Gogh, and so many wonderful artists. Next,
a month in Sicily, that sun-baked crossroads of culture, art, and bad repute. Then,
for a longer period, we'll live in Umbria, near Piero della Francesca. Nearly every
village in Italy has its famous art hero. We'll spend a few weeks near the Adriatic,
exploring less tourist-trekked regions, like Le Marche and the art of perhaps
less-known masters of the region, like Corelli.
I expect we'll find some new treasures while appreciating
the old ones. And we'll meet some living artists too, as we take in
contemporary art exhibits and explore our new settings. What's it like for
local artists? Do they face similar challenge to those we might face? How much
is what you're inspired to paint rooted in the ground you walk, the sights and
experiences you have, the cultural climate you breathe? Is your technique or
the content of your work changed by your milieu?
Wherever I go, and whatever I find, I'll do my best to convey what might be interesting to fellow travellers on routes of their own making. Keep your anticipation up! |
