Lessons of Venice

Three weeks ago I boarded the Alilaguna to the airport and said goodbye to Venice. A lifetime seems to have passed in that short time as I struggle to find my rhythm again in my life in the western Massachusetts countryside. I keep trying to stay true to the “Lessons of Venice” because they apply to every moment of living, whether in Venice, the Berkshires, the Bronx or elsewhere.

1. There is so much joy surrounding me at all times. When I choose to passionately connect to the present moment it nearly electrifies me.
2. Wilderness is a mindset. It’s as much in the mind as it is in the place. It surrounds us.
3. Relax into being lost. When you can be open to that feeling, amazing things can happen.
4. This one is borrowed from Corita Kent: Be happy, it’s lighter than you think.
5. Laugh, don’t take it on.
6. There’s always more than one way. It may take a couple of wrong turns, but when the path gets too crowded, take the parallel or unknown one. You may like it better, and sometimes, it’s actually quicker.
7. Always listen to that inner longing, even if it wants you to do something that seems scary.
8. Seven weeks is too long to be away from Doug.

During my time in Venice I actively worked to be grateful as much as possible for this opportunity and to pause in gratitude for my life, my family and friends and what I was learning and doing in Venice. These pictures represent some of the highlights–including people that I met and work that I created.

I’ll be working on the ideas generated in Venice that build on past writings and work related to the role of walking in creative practice at my next residency. I leave for a four-week residency at the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in the beginning of April. In July, I will exhibit this work at MCLA’s Gallery 51 in a solo exhibition entitled Wayfinding. Save the date–it opens July 28th.

My trip to Venice was supported in part by the 2016 Individual Artist Grant from the Northern Berkshire Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.