Va Bene Tutto!

I’m a little more than halfway through this artist residency now. I was weary of time’s passing so quickly, and aware that it would, so I really have been pushing myself to live in the moment as much as possible. I have to say that yesterday was the best day yet and I’m so thankful to have recognized and appreciated its beauty.

Last night a visiting artist named Lani Irwin came to show her slides and talk about her work. Her story was inspiring – she’s an American artist (along with her husband) who moved to Assisi, giving up the structured life of a tenured professor to make art in the enchanting hillsides of Umbria (wow, strikes a chord). The best part was this; she refuses to paint the landscapes. Now, with my struggle with landscapes and my confusion at why I don’t want to paint the beauty that lies before me, I realized that Lani’s frankness was exactly what I needed to hear to put my tension to rest. It was refreshing to see the work of an artist who had a similar relationship to her work as I feel I do (and a love for Italy that rivals my own). Sometimes we just need a kindred spirit to remind us that our feelings are legitimate and we should just let our nature be. :) Here's an example of her work: