Rothko in Italy

Some trips leave you with souvenirs. Others leave you seeing the world a little differently.

A lifetime dream fulfilled as I traveled to Italy with loved ones this summer. We touched down in Florence, and I was immediately enamored with the city’s history, art, and energy. Every street seemed to reveal another masterpiece, museum, or hidden architectural detail. It was impossible not to feel inspired by the generations of artists who have created there.

From Florence, we traveled south to a stone villa in the Cortona region of Tuscany. The pace slowed, giving us time to take in everything that makes this part of Italy so unforgettable. Rolling hills stretched to the horizon, vineyards climbed the countryside, olive groves shimmered in the afternoon light, and winding roads were framed by iconic rows of cypress trees. We explored medieval castles, sampled local wines, and found ourselves constantly stopping to admire — and photograph — the breathtaking landscapes. See what I captured in this new gallery.

Everywhere I looked, there was another composition waiting to be discovered. The light, the texture, the colors, and the quiet rhythm of the countryside reminded me of why I first fell in love with photography.

Before flying home, we experienced one final bit of kismet: stumbling upon the Mark Rothko exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi. Rothko has long been one of my biggest artistic inspirations, and finding this exhibit on our final day felt like fate.

I've been drawn to Rothko's work long before considering art as my own profession. His luminous fields of color and soft, layered edges feel familiar to me on some deep level, like finding someone who sees the world in a similar way. I feel a connection and a kinship that finds its way into my work. Seeing these works in person was like meeting a favorite celebrity. I was awe-struck and couldn't help but stare.

With time running out before our flight, I tried to absorb it all. Among all these vivid works, I saw a hand-drawn sketch. Quite humble, really just a few scratchy squares and lines. I only noticed it because it reminded me of the architectural sketches I see in my corporate photography work. Upon closer inspection, the description revealed it was a conceptual sketch from the Harvard Murals, a set of five abstract paintings created for a penthouse dining room at Harvard University (more on that another day).

Finding this bit of New England in an Italian museum, I knew home was calling. Now that I'm back stateside, those memories are finding their way into my work. The colors of Tuscany, the warmth of the stone villages, the endless landscapes, and the emotional impact of Rothko's paintings set in a Florence Gallery are all beginning to blend into new ideas and new pieces. View available works from my Italian summer adventures. 

A heartfelt thank you to Melissa Price of All Source Travel for planning such an incredible experience. This unforgettable trip was made possible by a travel package my fiancé, Doug, won at the Bradley Hospital live auction fundraiser, which made it even more meaningful.  I'm so blessed to have him as my other half. His quiet strength grounds me, but at the same time, he's always ready to join me for an adventure.

Our only challenge is figuring out dinner. We love eating, yes, but actual cooking, not so much. I make a great lasagna, but other than that, you'll find us out to eat. We're both thankful that Providence has such an incredible culinary scene. Note: the Polpo Antipasti at Pane E Vino on Atwells Ave is one of my absolute favorites.

It's one of the best parts of traveling: discovering that the journey continues long after you've unpacked your suitcase. Travel has always been one of my greatest creative teachers, and I can't wait to see where this inspiration leads next. I hope you enjoyed our time together. I'll be back soon. Ci vediamo, amico mio!