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| Destiny brought me to Florence, Italy 3 years ago. I wanted to study how to draw and paint. The course I am doing is based on the art schools of Paris in the 19th century, which is how the old masters were taught.
Besides the wonderful school I attend, Florence is an inspirational city to live in. Wherever you are, you are reminded of the great artists of the past and the city has the feel of a great university of artistic and creative endeavour. Situated in a valley on the banks of the river Arno, Florence is home to Michelangelo's David and the Uffizi Museum which houses the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. It is here that you can view the famous Brunelleschi's Dome, and walk along the Piazza Signoria full of Florentine sculpture. |
Kim Myerson & Ponte Vecchio | My favourite word is “prego”, as it means just about everything. When expressed as a question in shops and markets, “prego” means “can I help you?” or “what can I do for you?”. When expressed as an affirmation, prego grants permission – it means “of course” or “certainly”. |
I love the laid back lifestyle of the Italians (1 ½ - 2 hr lunch time siesta), their love for good food, very direct manner and passion for everything. Walking in the piazza’s one can listen to people playing classical music, relax in a café and be surrounded by beauty. The Italians also have a great style of dressing and are keeping up with if not setting the latest trends.
Living in Italy, one has to slow down…the Italians are never in a hurry (unless they are in a car) and will sit chatting with their colleagues behind the counter whilst a queue of people wait to be served. My biggest lesson is living in the Italian rhythm and when it becomes part of one, life becomes so much easier! Since Florence is so small, the best part is just walking or cycling down the wonderful cobbled streets.
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Another great Italian word is “Boh”….it takes the place of “I don’t know” or “who knows”. The truth is, sometimes one doesn’t have an explanation for things, so just say “boh”. It’s not a very elegant expression, but is extremely useful. 
| Even though Italians are fairly relaxed, there are some things you can’t do in Italy. Hence the words: “non si fa”. No explanation or justification is given; non si fa is reason enough. Some examples are no parmesan cheese on fish pasta, no mixing sweet and savoury and no washing your hair every day. Don’t try to get a take-away cappuccino and no wearing shorts in the city even if it’s in sweltering August, especially if you are a woman – skirts are considered much more attractive! Well, one just has to laugh.
As Paris was the hub of classical realism training in the 19thC, Florence is now the place to be. It is a very technical course and we have to leave our imaginations at the front door. Not only do we learn technical skills, but we also learn to have lots of patience. In my surreal world, I am now painting a plaster cast of “Venus” in the morning and every afternoon drawing a model in charcoal. You can see more of my work on my websitewww.kmyerson.com |
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