Having spent the last three months surrounded by narrow streets, grand architecture, soring bell towers and dramatic Romanesque and Gothic arches ……….I have been enveloped by perspective.
For the past seven weeks I have enjoyed Firenze with my daughter Alyssa who has her own persective. I think you will delight in her perspectives in her blog “The Aly”.
“The taxi will be her in five minutes to take us to the airport”
I recently displayed some of my Prints, Books and Drawings at SRISA in a lovely space next to the photgraphy studio. This gave me a chance to show the students and other faculty the work I had been doing up through November. It also gave me a chance to see my work in a lovely bright space with high ceilings.
On a rainy night in December friends gather with us to celebrate an inspried time in a beautiful city. And thanks to all of the family and friends who where there in spirit.
designed by Alyssa Ringler
Alyssa and I took a train to Todi Ponte Rio, the train had two small cars and we sat directly behind the conductor. We were met at the train station by Sharri’s husband Piero who proudly gave us a tour of his beloved Umbria. The Yellow House was at the end of a winding dirt road and the olive picking had begun. Sharri is a good friend of a dear friend of mine, and we were invited to spend the weekend to help with the olive harvest. I believe they have about 150 trees in their orchard. Of course we said yes, and we were delighted to find that conversation, and fine dining were part and parcel of olive picking. Luckily we had lovely weather, a little chill in the morning, but great opportunities to take pictures and enjoy the view of the hills that surround their property. On the second day, some light rain came in late in the day which forced us to quit a little early, but that was after we harvested eight large crates of various varieties of olives. All the olive picking needed to be finished by the end of the week because they had an appoinment to have the olives pressed. We enjoyed the comraderie with the other personal friends of Sharri and Piero. Of course we went home with two large cans of olive oil in payment for all of our hard work. I am not sure, but I think we made out really well, great food, wonderful conversation and olive oil. They are in the most “bella” location in Umbria. If you want to pick olives next fall check out www.umbriabella.com
After making art in my beautiful studio in Florence for over a month, I am happy to share with you what I am currently working on. You will see prints and books, some of them complete and others in process. I have been very inspired by my surroundings, the arches and domes on the buildings (thank you Brunelleschi) and the weathered surfaces and colors of stone and wood. I have walked everywhere and I am visiting museums and churches. My approach has been abstract, but to me I am capturing a sense of place and time.
I was fortunate to have my husband photographer here last week to document me in the studio. He got some dynamic shots. Thanks Neil!
I will continue to show you the progression of my work.
A glorious stretch of weather this October. Perfect for hiking Le Cinque Terre. Took the train to Spezia and transferred, got off at Riomaggiore. Spent a wonderful afternoon hiking the trail, wondering the five lovely towns. Stopped in Vernazza for lunch and then took the ferry to Monterosso al Mare.
The ocean and vista was a start contrast to the city streets of Firenze. The train was comfortable and people on the train were delightfully friendly. I enjoyed spending the day with four young women who are all studying abroad. A perfect day trip if you do not have more time to spend.