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What are you most excited about in returning to Orvieto?

Whenever I have gone to Orvieto, it has felt like a pilgrimage of sorts. It is deep and rich and there is a sacredness to the journey that I have struggled to put into words. I have been back 5 times already and I can unequivocally say, I have fallen head over heels in love with Orvieto. She has seeped into my bones and I think perhaps her and I will never quite be done with each other. I know returning each time gives me the depth, the quiet and the sacredness of that week which is rather life changing in many ways and it fills the creative wells for months to come.

What's your fondest memory of your last trip there?

My favourite thing to do daily - is rise early in the mornings while Orvieto is still sleepy and quiet and go walking. I always go with my camera. I shoot in film. The early mornings are cool and quiet and the mist hangs low. There is hardly anyone around except the local shopkeepers, cleaning and setting up for their day and quietly chatting. There is a quietness at this time of day that is deeply moving.

I also took a walk up the clock tower and it was mind-blowing to see Orvieto from above. I highly recommend this. These have been some of my favorite moments.

What do you hope your students will take away from your class?

The gift of working and learning together in that upper room of the Monastery. There is a vulnerability that happens in this place when we leave for faraway places and retreat together in this ancient world. This is art and most life changing. As much as we are learning new skills together, it is my hope that we not only walk away with deeper connections with each other that will last a lifetime, but that we capture the depth of Orvieto in our hearts and in our work. Not only taking in the cultural side of the week together but how incorporating what we see, hold and capture into our daily art practices.

What is it about teaching in Orvieto that is so special?

There is something so incredible about meeting up with friends, new and old to create together and Orvieto is a soft landing. Arriving at the Monastery feels like you have come home in many ways. It feels safe and kind enough to teach and learn from. The small group in the upper room is beyond special and it's a perfect setting to journey into deeper waters together. It definitely pushes teacher/student to go way deeper than you would staying at home.

How do you incorporate Orvieto/Italy in your teaching this week?

It's really hard not to draw inspiration from the visuals all around you. The Madonna is everywhere and I fall in love with her every time I go. It is brilliant for portraiture and storytelling type art. Sketching what we see and find in and around Orvieto and incorporating that into our work. The buildings and architecture are incredible... I would like to incorporate the buildings and patterns into our clay works.

madre della Citae

What are you most excited to share with your students?

Pretty much what I shared above especially finding that in our clay and 3D portraiture and incorporating Orvieto in whatever we teach. Taking a moment to seek, observe and use, whether in our clay or paintings. We are in a place that completely fills the creative wells visually and in every way and I would love to show ways how we can be inspired to use that in our work.

What cultural experience do you enjoy most?

The visit to the Duomo is totally incredible and I would have to say the visit to Lamberto and the printing press close to the Duomo was a huge thrill for me. The talk on the history of paper and how to make marble paper and spending hours going through his beautiful prints and papers.

Do you have a favourite spot to watch people?

My favourite spot to sit and be quiet and watch is at the Blue Bar and Scarpone outside the marketplace.

Extra

Anything else you would like to add…

The most remarkable thing about Orvieto - is finding preciousness everywhere you look. When you open your heart and your eyes - you see with your soul. You find art, beauty and creativity everywhere you look. Especially in the old, from architecture, to buildings, to door knockers, to beautiful windows and fresco. Every corner you turn is more breathtaking than the last. I took so many pictures because I was desperate to capture it, remember it and to hold it close, so I will never forget. My last trip, I took the time to be quiet and still and at times be completely alone. I stole early mornings and gaps in between lessons to walk, to seek and find and capture. It is a sacred place and time… and it’s deep and spiritual. I always come with an expectant heart and I always leave with it overflowing.

Now having visited several times already, I know Orvieto will always call me back… and I will always be listening.