GALLERY
LE PORTE DI PASSAGIO - CORTONA, ITALIA
THE DOORS OF PASSAGE - CORTONA, ITALY

Arts Alliance of Littleton
2006 Fellowship Award Application

DESCRIPTION - PROPOSAL

My grandmother came to the U.S. in 1920 from a little town in Italy named San Giorgio A Liri.  My mother was born in the Bronx and despite her short life (I was 24 when she died of breast cancer), she dreamed of visiting her roots but died before she could.  In 1996, 10 years after my mother’s death, I made that first pilgrimage on her behalf.  I have connected with our family in Italy and have visited for years; when I arrive there’s always screams of “The American is here”.

For years I have hung prominently in my home and studio a tribute to my mother, her art and my heritage. She too was an artist but it took me till recently before I recognize that. This summer in Italy I will pursue the study and creation of art pushes me one step closer closure to my dream. One day I hope to split my time between Italy and the U.S.

This series will produce a collection of 5 to 8 pieces of original art.  Arches, paths, wooded windows and doorways in Tuscany will inspire the subject matter. These “passageways” will be representation of the journey I have taken to heal from this loss in my life, the love of my Mia Madre.  Although I have dabbled in this area, until now, I have not been ready to address the final passage. The passage will transition through the doors of calm and submission to acceptance. In writing this proposal I realize that my breakthroughs arrive in 10 year increments with this being the year of her 20 year anniversary of my mother’s death.  I did not realize that till this very moment. Wow…

Between now and leaving for Italy, I will study under several local artist to expand my artistic style. This multi media series will experiment with collage, watercolor, gouache and acrylic products as well as others through inspiration. I have been working towards this goal for a number of years and have been creatively inspired but the silent fear of addressing this loss prevented me from proceeding.  I am no longer afraid to handle this creative task by bringing my emotions of life, love, loss and passage to this series through my artistic expression. 
 
Spending time in Italy to study will help me complete this series and your funds will allow me to finance some of those expenses. My goal is for others to experience some comfort or guidance from his series in any loss or life challenge they may have had to struggle through.   Your financial support and opportunity to share my story will support my need for encouragement to take this passage.

When I am in Italy, I am home,” I often note.  “My newest endeavor is a “Le Porte di Passaggio” of Italian passageways will “In part repay the debt I owe to my mother, my heritage, and my culture” I believe.