I am so excited to share some of my photographs from Italy! I spent 1 week in Rome. I went with 28 students from my school there and studied pieces of work that I've read about in textbooks. I was overwhelmed everyday by realizing that they, these artists we study like Bernini, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Caravaggio, (to name a few) are people too, and students like me. I thought a ton about my work as I was there, and began focusing more on color. (As that comes naturally in Italy with its abundance.)
Before I left, I read an article that said, "Art is in a state of decline from the moment that it aspires to massiveness through colossal proportions." Beauty was conceived entirely in terms of the colossal, yet once it's purpose is only that, it's losing its validity. When you see the architecture and sculpture in Italy, this makes more sense - the scale was always insane. In this article they were talking about architecture and the huge buildings that were there or would soon be constructed. But I started to read it in new terms too. My art, my photos, do not have to be for the biggest and widest audiences to be beautiful. For a long time I thought I wanted that. But what I've realized I really cherish in my photos - and my life - are moments that capture small hints of a person or places of beauty. Moments that feel special and I can't get back.
I didn't want to explain every photo - I think they speak better for themselves :) I hope you enjoy!
The Ponte Sant'Angelo, where we stayed close by and where we met up in the mornings. This bridge was always beautiful!
The Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica were so beautiful. I can't believe I got to capture light like this! I love when you can see little dust particles in the air, whether in such an outstanding place or even my kitchen at home :)
Every ceiling that we saw was extravagantly decorated. We saw over 50 churches (Yeah, 50!) - most of them in Rome. Some of them had mirrors so you could look into those and notice new details instead of hurting your neck and looking up.
And below are my friends Erika and Lucia - we became a little trio :)
The river by Ponte Sant'Angelo had such a fun night life! Food, bars, games, gelato (which was on the menu basically every night)...
Spanish Steps! Such a pretty view all around.
Some guys hand out roses on the street without telling you at first that they cost money. We learned better after that...
I think this was the point of the trip that I really started to watch people. It sounds creepy, and half of the time, I felt creepy. But if I liked what they were wearing and the colors surrounding them, I stood by and watched them until I captured what I wanted. This guy reminds me of Up :)
This evening in the Palazzo Navona was one of the happiest times of my life. We had great seats at a restaurant to watch the whole plaza and listen to wonderful music. This woman was KILLING it, we listened to her and painted and ate pizza! My life felt like a movie - it was so special.
This photo got me so pumped, I am so proud of it. He just naturally stood there, and moved right after I got the shot. It is one of my favorite portraits from the trip.
One of my teachers, Anders - follow his hat and you won't be lost :)
Our hands would get so dirty after drawing. Whether we did sketches with charcoal or a rubbing of the ground, we couldn't avoid it. Thanks Ali for letting me show off your hands :)
Ciao Roma! In a few days I will share Milan :)