Blog :: An Art Pilgrimage to France and Italy

August 29, 2019 / Blog, News / 0 Comments

Ciao Amici (or hello friends, as we say in the US!)

Sliding back in the studio after an adventurous summer on the road.

I must confess that I am a habitual workshop attendee. I love diving into the process of learning new skills. More than that, I love the people that I meet.

I hopped the pond for three weeks to study at the Visions in the Mischtechnik Seminar hosted by the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art. It was by far, one of the best workshops I’ve attended in terms of the richness of the experience and the quality of learning.

We stayed at Torri Superiore in Ventimiglia, Italy, just off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, near the border of France. The ancient stone facade of Torri Superiore was nestled comfortably in the foothills of the Alps. Those mountains were a genuine focal point of beauty and a potent source of magic for the retreat.

The artists hailed from around the world and a common thread of rebirth and self-healing wove everyone’s art together.

The medieval village of Torri was entirely secluded from modern day activity – the closest store was a 20 minute bus ride into town. The inner worlds were more accessible without distraction and visions came like a flood.

There we were, entrenched in our paintings like the old masters, feasting on delicious organic food and wine like kings, occasionally breaking for a dip in the crisp Alpine grotto over the hill. It was both glorious and productive. By the end of the workshop, I finished three paintings that were showcased at the closing party and art show (my first exhibit in Europe!)

We formed a unique bond with the people who reside at Torri. At one point, the entire village was dancing to acoustic folk music together in a large circle like a scene out of a Disney classic. It was a truly authentic Italian experience that I won’t soon forget. And now I’m addicted to pesto.

I was stoked to report there’s a new Renaissance happening in Italy and Torri was the beating heART!


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