... but then came to realise that art is not a cleverness contest. It is not one's capacity to be inventive. It is really an honesty contest ... the capacity to truly be that thing that you are.
Ben Ortner.
Ran Ortner paints the most extraordinary paintings.
I would love to live in a room with his work there on the wall, reminding me of the sea that I love, the sea I'm so far from now.
Here's a documentary (in progress).
Ran Ortner Trailer (documentary in process) from Todd Holland on Vimeo.
I have a new interview up in my Interviews section.
Nina Coolsaet is the loveliest Spanish-based Belgian who, together with her Spanish husband, Alfredo, is breathing new life into the old family bodega and creating some head-turning wines.
I had the pleasure of interviewing her a while ago. I was curious to know more about this couple who were all about creating wine with their family in mind. I imagined how that might affect the way you would produce a wine.
And so we chatted awhile ...
The photographs were provided by Rafael Bellver and I have created a slideshow of his images over here.
I'm back at the desk now ... for days I suspect. I just realised I have an unprocessed folder of photographs from Genova.
I'm torn between delight and something like despair, knowing how many hours will be spent here at the desk.
I can't share all of them, I need permissions but this one ... I love the moodiness of this one.