New Work in Progress
Continuing with the mythology theme, I've added Icarus to the blue planes and parachute print. I had always intended to have a figure in the work, but I wasn't sure where or how. This figure is coming slightly off the grid in two places. I'm unsure if I'll back those areas with something or leave them very loose and translucent. Time to experiment!
New Work
I decided to rework a plate that I had previously made a line etching with. I did an aquatint, and then foul bit some areas, and then took some liberties with wiping to create the atmospheric quality. Collaged on top is a drawing of a figure. I haven't decided on a title yet. I don't want anything too obvious or didactic. Any suggestions are welcome.
Bonus points if you know who the figure is and what he/she is doing!
Orientation events... again!
One of the nice things about being in a study abroad program for an academic year as opposed to a semester is that I get to participate in all of the orientation events twice! In addition to some nights of free pizza, I decided to go on the trip to Todi and Titignano. Todi is a town in the hills of Umbria, about two hours north of Rome. The views there are spectacular. Titignano is a small village near Todi in which a beautiful castle stands. In this castle, we were treated to an 8 course meal that included the best ever onion pizza (and other pizza appetizers), bruschettas, risotto, pasta, a green vegetable medley, fresh cheeses, fruit, salad, tiramisu, biscotti and, of course, wine. O and wild boar, goat, and chicken (for the meat eaters). Apparently a typical Italian countryside meal. Yum.
One week later, I walked off the meal during Professor Jan Gadeyne's "Wall Walk," a twelve mile walk around the Aurelian walls that surround center city Rome and date back to the third century. Portions were destroyed and rebuilt throughout Rome's history. I included a picture of a portion of the wall with a huge bust of Alexander the Great (identifiable by the iconic flip of his hair).
Natale in Roma!
Christmas in Rome was amazing. We went to the Vatican for the unvelining of their life size Nativity scene. There were several groups that sang including the Vatican choir (which was excellent) and, more comically, a group of young children who actually lipsynced.
Later that evening, we went to midnight mass at the Basilica near Piazza Venezia. In there Nativity Scene is a baby Jesus that is known as a miracle baby. All year, people write letters to him, and he is displayed in a glass case surrounded by the letters. They only take him out on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
On Christmas day, we ate omelettes, opened presents in my apartment, and then went over to Michael's, where we watched the claymation classic, Rudolph, projected so it was like our own personal movie showing.
Buon Natale!
