Jessie Knopp also created a business card for Karla, using an entirely different font that, I felt, complimented the original artwork just so perfectly.
And Jessie doesn’t just make one version in these early stages. She created two versions for Amedeo and three for Karla. She is happy to work with you via the web to create what you need. So let me know and I’ll put you in touch with her.
It seems entirely appropriate to post this photograph of Franco waving to me…
He was the only artist set up when I wandered by early this morning. Today is a religious holiday in Genova. It’s the day of their patron saint, Giovanni.
We exchanged greetings then he took me by the arm and we strolled over to the cafe for coffee together. And just like Roberto in Lerici, we didn’t have much language in common but it was lovely to spend time with him.
I wandered on down via San Lorenzo afterwards, veering right in search of focaccia, then on into the caruggi. About halfway into that walk, I realised I was deeply exhausted and wondered why I was taking on a stroll that involved a rather steep incline on the return ... considering that I was operating on 4 hours of sleep.
I made it back to the apartment but needed to lie down for 10 minutes. I may have used up almost all of me and have this wicked plan to sleep tomorrow away. We’ll see, I recover relatively quickly usually.
So anyway, in the last few hours of travel, there has been the realisation that I left my favourite foundation and perfume back in Genova. My idea was to wait until the sweat had dried before applying it. In all honesty though, I was cleaning right up until I left and the sweat never did dry. Then there was the man sitting in my train seat on the train to Milan, but he accepted the bad news graciously and turned to be okay. He managed to prevent my suitcase from causing serious damage when it rolled out into the aisle. Italian trains often have those little rooms of 6 seats on each carriage ... I suffer.
Then the airport was reached in comfort and style (as opposed to being crammed on the hot and crowded airport bus), via the Malpensa train from Milan Central.
However then came the overweight suitcase ... 36 euros. I’m blaming the gifts. And there was the small matter of an abandoned suitcase up near check-in that had security waiting for the police, alarming the check-in woman who had charged me for my excess baggage. I was happy to leave the area ...
Anyway, waiting for the plane, hoping I can sleep on it. I’ll leave you with Franco, out on Via San Lorenzo, in amongst all the artwork.
At dinner last night, Amedeo said I should tell him which work I liked best of his and he’ll paint me one like it. I do adore that man but he took it a step further. Laughing, he told me that he will be painting a studio with Di Mackey Photography into the city scene because that’s what he does so well .... he mixes reality with fantasy and imagination.
I loved the idea of that ...
Now to tell the Belgian bloke all the reasons why Genova would be such a good place to live.
Meanwhile, to Amedeo ... a long life to the visionaries and the dreamers amongst us!
I met Karla Verdugo on my first days back here in Genova.
She was exhibiting her art on Via San Lorenzo, nestled in amongst Amadeo, Franco, Angelo, Santo, Jane, Luciano, and Rossi. Little did I know that this group would open and let a wandering kiwi into their midst in the most generous of ways.
Yesterday, I went back and spent the day with them, and Karla was my tireless translator. We laughed often and there are so many stories totell about these delicious people but not today. This is simply to post my photograph of Karla and to thank her for translating a most magical day.
I met Amedeo Baldovino on my first day back in Genova. He displays his work with a group of artists on Genova’s Via San Lorenzo. I had noticed his work on past visits but didn’t like to bother him. Each time I would think, ‘next time’ and wait for the courage to converse.
This time we talked, via another artist there on the street, Karla Verdugo ... a kind and patient translator of Italian to English and back again. And I’m so glad that we did.
A plan was made to meet up yesterday, a photography session, a blog creation, and so much intense conversation and laughter. Shannon is in the process of creating a blog for Amadeo, and others, and I photographed the bulk of his work on display yesterday.
Next weekend, I’m going back to get the stories of everyone else there. I don’t quite have the names of everyone but there is an 83 year old who looks like he might be in his late 50s or early 60s, there is the artist who used to be a musician and traveled the world on cruise ships, and there is the man who is so proud of his grandchild.
I love the warmth I find here in Genova. The people have been so very kind but for now, here is a small taste of Amedeo Baldovino’s work. This work is my particular favourite ...
