What a week.It is not often I actually get to do a workshop, so to do a workshop was a treat but to do it in Firenze at the Il Bisonte printmaking school/studio was a double treat, but wait there is more, because for three mornings we had the instruction of Italian master printmaker Gianni Verna ( classes ran every morning form 9.30 until 1.30 and the whole of Tuesday)- I think the whole week felt a bit like some kind of heaven. My prints left a lot to be desired but I learnt a lot ( thank you Manuel our other instructor and who does not have a website) and I also learnt, that I have to do more of this!It was inspirational being with the other students, most of whom were there to study for the year ( I was the only student there for the week), some had really interesting takes on printmaking and even subject matter. I was so inspired I didn't hardly do anything touristy. Every day I would walk about a kilometre and a half through the old part of Firenze to get to the studio- it was enough.
Gianni Verna discussing printmaking with more than one colour- it was all in Italian- I did understand some of it- but it is graphic arts and pictures do speak a thousand words!
Il Bisonte is situated on the other side of the Arno River to most of the tourist attractions in Firenze so every morning I would walk, along one bridge further from the Ponte Vecchio.
Every morning past the Duomo.....
The iron work on gates and above windows and doors was wonderful.
And one day after we finished the morning I went for a walk to find the Pitti Palace, got hopelessly lost and walked up a hill and ended up in the countryside ( almost)- it was quite a walk and I did find the Pitti Palace on the way back but decided to keep walking.
My attempt at carving wood- I learnt the grain does not always play nice, that I will need more tools and I need to do more of this.
My finished prints ( which will have to be sent to Oz as they did not dry in time) using two colours.
And spring has sprung! Today I head off to Quilts en Beaujolais to hang my new work . And is anyone out there able to give me a lift on Sunday evneing after Quilts en Beaujolais finishes to Evry or Soissy Sur Seine?
Oh and don't forget I am starting another On-line Lino-cutting class starting 13 May- please email me if you are interested.
Oh and don't forget I am starting another On-line Lino-cutting class starting 13 May- please email me if you are interested.
5 comments:
I can't wait to see what you do with this new skill Dijanne! I love carving wood - I'm not good at it but I love the feel! Enjoy the rest of your trip! Hugz Sally
His work is really wonderful. Thank you for sharing it. Glad you had the opportunity to learn from a master. Always an exciting experience.
It sounds fabulous Dijanne. I'm glad you found it so rewarding. I can just imagine myself walking through Firenze - feeling so jealous.
In 2010 I stayed just down the road from the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. I 'lurve' Firenze and am glad you are having a wonderful time learning and exploring. Wish I was there!
What an inspiring place to work in. No wonder you didn't feel the need to be 'touristy'.
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