"What will they think of me" must be put aside for bliss.
Joseph Campbell.
Thinking of Amedeo Baldovino and this beautiful painting he surprised me with back in 2011. I'm living out of two suitcases and couldn't bring it to England with me but I will.
Today began with pastries and espresso from a bar along Via San Lorenzo, and then the chance meeting with Amedeo the artist ... and another espresso, this one with that friend I thought I had lost.
There was a walk through the city and the interesting conversation in the Loving Genova office. The delightful post-lunch drinks with Simon and Paola, as they passed through the city on their way back to Brussels.
Then a long catch-up with the artists on Via San Lorenzo, with Amedeo, with Karla, with Franco and the rest too.
Dinner ended being a buffet selection at a bar just off Piazza de Ferrari, with a drink down in Piazza delle Erbe on the way home.
This visit has been about more than a few chance meetings too. I met Anna, from Beautiful Liguria, out there in the caruggi. And tonight it was Roberto, a kind friend who has introduced me to new places in Genova ... he walked into the bar with his friend.
It's good to be back ... as always. And there is this, the painting I might have bought from Amedeo today. Just absolutely celebrating the fact that he made it off life-support and is painting again.
I met Amedeo Baldovino a few years ago now ... I wrote of it here.
A few months ago, I received bad news. He had collapsed in the city and was on life-support. It didn't look good and I grieved for both the man and the talented artist.
Karla kept me informed. He came through surgery, he was recovering ... it was so good to hear but this morning, out picking up breakfast, I stopped to say hi to the artists in Via San Lorenzo.
Angelo gestured to the cafe, I walked in, and it was Amedeo!!! Back painting, back in his weekend spot, BACK.
I didn't quite jump all over him like a happy puppy but I was so very very pleased to see him.
That man ... he painted this painting as a gift to me. He painted me into Genova. You can imagine how much I loved that.
Today I am celebrating Amedeo here on the blog. Everyone should have some Amedeo hanging in their home. If you think you would like to see some of his work, let me know, I'll go photograph some of the delights he has hanging and we'll work out the shipping costs.
Back in Genova, and loving it, as always.
Ciao!
Today I was gifted a second beautiful painting ... painted just for me.
Look closely, you’ll see.
I love this city.
I love the people here, and already I’m thinking about the fact that it will be my suitcase rolling along the caruggi here in a few days. I will take some exquisite memories when I leave ... as always.
Anyway, about the photograph of the painting below. It was painted by one of my favourite artists in the world, Amedeo Baldovino. You can read of my first meetings with him over here.
Tonight I had the pleasure of having dinner with both Amedeo and Karla. I do adore them.
Mille grazie, Amedeo! I love the painting. I love that in those Genovese cityscapes you paint, there is a space for this New Zealand photographer who is passionate about books.