Many of the most famous artists and philosophers have experienced this state of the soul; among the most notable is certainly Van Gogh, who, through his diaries, provides us with the first genuine written testimony of the therapeutic power that art has on humans.
But what exactly is Melancholy, this sweet sadness that makes artists “tormented” and darkens anyone who experiences it, even those not dealing with a creative flow? I’m sure each of us has felt a bit melancholic at times, even without an apparent reason.
The course unfolded, and the captivating voice of my professor became a bridge connecting a state of mind filled with anticipation, full of senselessness and frustration, to a new, meaningful concept.
Melancholy is that state of the soul that precedes the creative act. It’s the necessary gestation before birth. It’s that silent work already underway within us that, when we’re still unaware, allows something new and inspired to emerge.
Having learned this, melancholy is no longer something to fear and flee from but, on the contrary, a state to embrace and value.
This insight was revolutionary for me, helping me understand that sometimes, a fertile void is needed to bring forth new ideas and make room for new projects.
At this point, you might be wondering:
“Stefania, all this is very beautiful, but why are you telling it to me?”
The answer is simple: it’s been a long time since my last article on this blog (too long, and I apologize for that), many things have happened, and this silence, or to stay on theme, this “gestation,” has finally borne its fruits that I’m delighted to share with you today.
It’s been several years since I decided to focus on my true passion, drawing.
My first solo exhibition in Trieste allowed me to experience how essential interaction with people is for my work. All the feedback and comments I received encouraged me to continue, giving me new energy to draw from. All the feedback and comments I received encouraged me to continue, giving me new energy to draw from.
And I believe that those who came to see my works in person had a very different experience than what one might get from viewing an artwork on a computer or phone screen.
So, an idea, more of a dream, began to whirl in my head: to open my own Atelier in Venice.
I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Finding the right place in a city like Venice that, despite being among the most beautiful in the world, carries with it many limits and contradictions, would have been a difficult task.
The search has been very long and troubled, some false hopes have been dashed and, I confess, there have been moments when my determination has wavered.
But today I can say that I have finally found the right place!
I don’t need to tell you how much this represents a monumental turning point for me – or as the Americans say, a “milestone” to celebrate and remember!
I’ll update you soon on all the developments, and this time, you can count on it, you’ll hear from me more often 😉
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That’s all for now. Now I’d better go back to sharpening the pencils.
See you soon,
Stefania
