This October, I was invited to show my one-of-a-kind art jewelry work at Milano Jewelry Week. Artistar Jewels is one of the many events part of this city-wide celebration, showcasing the artistry and varied styles/techniques in fine and contemporary jewelry. What better venue for seeking fashion and new artistic visions than Milano – located in the heart of the Lombardy region.
This was my first time to Italy, and the only member of my Italian side of the family to never have seen Italy before. My mother, both maternal grandparents and great-grandparents were frequent visitors to mostly central and southern Italy, though Venezia, Roma and Taormina were frequent choices. As a child, I would listen to my bilingual grandmother speak Italian on the phone weekly to her paisans. These are the moments that propelled me to see Italy and particularly, the fashion hub of the world, Milano – a pilgrimage long overdue.
Raised in traditions by an Italian-American mother, and an Irish-American/German/Danish father, I wanted to see the Duomo as soon as I landed in Milano. This cathedral is known for its stunningly gorgeous Gothic facades. Without a doubt, if you’ve been to Milano, the Duomo is the central meeting hub of the city – and the people watching in this cathedral square is superb! Every street it seems radiates from the center of il Duomo di Milano (as it’s locally known.) While I captured this image on an unusually warm and brightly-shining October morning sun, the first time I approached the square was the evening before. The chills that went up and down both of my arms simultaneously in the nighttime view of this Gothic architectural masterpiece is not any sensation I will forget about anytime soon.
Later in the week, I made a point to go see the Leonardo Da Vinci masterpiece mural of The Last Supper (Ultima Cena.) Thanks to many bloggers via YouTube, I learned that tickets to see this mural and historic church must be purchased months in advance of any planned visit to Milano. Luckily, I found tickets online the summer before arriving, via a U.K. walking tour group. These are tour guides specializing in art history, specific details of Leonardo’s life during the years of creating this masterwork and his inspirations circa his painting this mural between 1494-1498. Only fifteen minutes is permitted in the actual room where the mural is located. No filming of video is allowed (only still photos without flash.) It was spectacular to see in-person, not to mention the vaulted ceilings of this room within the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Stay tuned to artdoesmatter for a Part II of this “Art Trek” to Milano Italy, with features on new pieces viewed in-person during the Artistar Jewels exhibition within Milano Jewelry Week, October 18th through the 20th in various locations throughout the city.
This sounds like the trip of a lifetime! I love reading about your bilingual grandmother, as well. It must have been so much more difficult to stay connected pre-internet, but she found a way. Looking forward to Part 2! p.s. Apologies if this somehow posts multiple times. I kept trying to comment and the internet gods would delete the whole thing. Happened a few times – lol. The words just disappeared into thin air.
Yes! It was a fantastic trip and long overdue! Quite a few other bloggers have mentioned recent difficulty on other sites with posting replies or seeing them. But yours is most definitely here – thank you! Gina! I appreciate how you always share great feedback with me.