In the latest edition of "A View From the Easel," artist Brenda Zlamany shares her unique experience of creating art in her ancestral village nestled near the Pollino National Park in Italy. Zlamany transforms an old sausage factory into her studio while cultivating olives, blending creativity with tradition.
Having first visited this village during her studies at the Tyler School of Art in Rome, Zlamany's connection to the place runs deep. She recalls writing to her mother as a teenager, expressing her dream of one day having a studio there. Now, decades later, she has returned, embodying the spirit of her grandfather, who was an itinerant cobbler a century ago.
Her daily routine is infused with local culture. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, she visits the fruttivendolo for fresh vegetables, often stopping for coffee and conversation with villagers along the way. Tuesdays are reserved for fish shopping at the pescivendolo. The village's narrow pathways create a sense of intimacy, allowing her to engage with the community while finding solitude in her art.
Reflecting on her workspace, Zlamany describes a profound sense of belonging. "This is the place my grandfather left 100 years ago, and I am back exactly 100 years later," she notes. The daily hikes through the landscape evoke memories, creating a powerful connection to her roots. She feels a sense of déjà vu, as if she has always belonged to this land.
As both an insider and outsider, Zlamany navigates the local customs while maintaining her artistic freedom. Her interactions with the villagers, many of whom work in agriculture, resonate deeply with her creative process. The rhythm of their lives inspires her artistic endeavors, reinforcing the bond between nature and creation.
Zlamany's studio is a compound filled with history--a 300-year-old building that she is transforming into a vibrant artistic space. The presence of the previous owner, a self-sufficient woman, lingers in the air, and Zlamany cherishes the magical objects left behind. This summer, she even pressed olive oil from her own harvest, further intertwining her art with the land.
While she wishes for improved access to her remote location, Zlamany appreciates the untouched beauty that comes with its seclusion. She values her time in the village, often reflecting on the local Museo della Liquirizia "Giorgio Amarelli," which celebrates the region's licorice production--a testament to the rich cultural heritage surrounding her.
Ultimately, Zlamany's journey illustrates the profound impact of place on artistic expression. As she continues to paint and explore her surroundings, her work not only honors her family legacy but also contributes to the vibrant tapestry of contemporary art in Italy.