Palazzo Moro and Interesting Mirror Shots...Venice

Though our time in Venice was a couple of weeks back, I wanted to share this cool exhibition at Palazzo Moro...

We stumbled on it during a morning walk. It is part of the Biennale Architetture 2023 exhibition that was still happening when we were there. We were happy to come across this show...

First off, we walked under this cool futuristic wall of red brick...

The palazzo itself is really beautiful.

 

We came into a room that had this installation of found objects that were collected along a beach, then made into these recyclable shapes that created the piece...

Next, we went into an upper area that allowed us to view the entry arch from above...

We ended up on the upper deck, looking down over the area. There was a really cool reflective installation that made for too many " Mirror Shots", which was really fun!

Johnny enjoying a rooftop view...before we entered the Mirror Shot sphere...

If you look close, I'm there, taking the picture...

Ha!

Too much fun...!

And more!

Next, we came across this really fine piece...

Hopefully, this video gives you an even more interesting take on the work...

Then we entered another space with nothing but more crazy Mirror Shots. Who KNEW????

We were able to get up above the great mirror sphere...

Last, but for me...not least...this super cool piece featuring a bunch of white washed plastic bottles. I kind of loved it...

Later, we stopped for a much needed rest and a drink.

Thanks, Venice! We'll be back soon!!

A Grand Lady of the Field

The weather has changed, and the days are really getting short here in central Italy...

I'm looking forward to the upcoming time change, just so we can take morning walks with some sunlight.

Last week, the weather was nicer and the sun was just warm enough. On one day, we drove down into the fields below town. There is a favorite old ruin there that Johnny wanted to paint, and the dirt roads were dry.

I call these old ruins "Ladies of the Field", and have written about several of them in the past. I like to explore while Johnny works.

I've never gotten close to this beauty, because it's always been surrounded by brambles. Also, it's way out in the middle of an actual working field, and I don't cross into those. 

On this day, the area hadn't yet been plowed for the season, so I had my chance to get as close as possible. Yay!

I would love to know the story behind this one.
I must ask around.

I was able to follow a wild boar trail to get closer, then I just started tromping through the weeds. You can see the massive amount of brambles all along the outside here. There wasn't a single spot that I could get through to poke around inside, but I did do a full "walk around".

Lots of nice old detail here.

The roof is caved in at several points, and I could see the open sky.

A lovely arch, and a fig tree growing inside the ruin.
Classic ruin!

It's quite a large old building, and I assume it was important with that tower.

I was being super careful, as there were lots of spots with obvious wild boar activity. I could see where they had made tunnels through the brambles, and there are probably lots of them living inside. 

I kept my distance, making loud noises and just staying aware. 

Right now there are so may wild creatures around, and I don't need to get into a tangle with any of them, thank you very much.

This is the back side..or at least the back side from
where Johnny was painting.

I'm a fan of the color combination...the brick and sky.

More detail...

On the far corner of the ruin, I found this oak(?) tree growing right out of the foundation of the building. I was mesmerized, and took a bunch of pictures...

This was the only spot I could get close...

Just amazing that it hasn't yet taken down that corner!

Rounding the far corner...

I noticed these old metal plant holing rings still attached, sort of!

She's a real beauty.

I took the last shots, and tromped back to see what Mr. J was up to. He was still working at it...

What a nice spot to work.

 

For me, it was another small but mighty adventure. 

I like my solo time here. It gives me room to breathe.

I did a post on the painting blog featuring this painting session...you can check that out here.

Riding Bikes On The Lido

We're back in Umbria now, but still enjoying memories of Venice...and wanting to share!

When we are lucky enough to spend a decent chunk of time in Venice, we try to save a day to go on the boat to the nearby island, the Lido. 

It's known for being the place that hosts the Venice Film Festival every September, but we like to go when there is no one around.

Years ago, Johnny read an interview featuring Tracy Emin, the wonderful British artist, and she mentioned she loved riding bikes on The Lido. It inspired us to do the same, and we've done it a bunch of times. It's a long, narrow flat island, so perfect for biking.

Heading way over there to the Lido.

Of course, half the fun....well, maybe a quarter of the fun, is taking the boat bus, or "vaporetto" across the water and seeing the views.

Coming into the Lido Harbor.

We hop off the boat and head to the bike rental shop. There are a few, and some close for the season. We like "Lido On Bike". The folks are friendly, it's open until mid October, and the price is right.

We got our bikes and headed out for some good, clean fun!

 

There is a sweet village way down the island. We always stop into the local bar and enjoy a Proseco and a chat with the regulars. It was so quiet and it felt just right.

No one around but a few cats and some locals...

I always like to head to the sea and look at another vast body of water that isn't the Pacific.

We locked our bikes up and took a nice stroll to the beach.

Yeah...it was pretty sweet...

Just me and an old fellow walking the beach. I really wanted to strip down and swim. The water was the nicest temperature. Sadly, no swimming allowed.

Walking way out on this stone "pier".
There are several along this stretch of beach.
Again, no one around.

We hopped back on the bikes and headed out to return to the main town on the island.

Some nice vistas along our ride back...of course we stopped for another little sip and some chips.

Venice is way, way, way in the distance.

Gettin' all casual on the Lido!

Back at the harbor, Venice is a lot closer. We rode a long way!

The boat was pretty darn crowded, but still a fun ride back. 

Who dat dude in da hat? 
Mirror Shot!!

Thanks for another fine day, Lido. I know we'll be back.