The New Normal

 

 

 

 

 

Friends,

When God created me, He gave me a blood type of “B-positive,” which has served me well. I have taken that as my trademark and rallying cry over the years. I AM a positive person, even when faced with situations that seem insurmountable, such as the one we find ourselves in today with this world-wide pandemic, Covid-19.

Since March 11^th, when I flew from Riga, Latvia, to land in Rome, only to find myself smack in the middle of a quarantine and lock down that would last many weeks, I have tried to keep myself busy and creative, fending off the fear and depression that I know many have suffered  in their own isolated environments.

It hasn’t been easy and it isn’t over yet.

But I have to say, it IS getting better. Here in Italy, things are slowly beginning to open. People are being cautious, and wearing their masks. There are many new rules for businesses and people to follow. I am happy to report that people are following the rules, understanding that masks are for the protection of everyone, and that the future economy depends on this type of cooperation.

It is this spirit of cooperation that I implore all my world-wide friends and colleagues to embrace whole-heartedly. We can create a better world. We can prepare ourselves to withstand the (inevitable) unexpected. We can do this.

But first we need to accept that we cannot control the unexpected, merely react to it in a way that is intelligent, humane and inclusive.

The recent protests around the world resulting from the murder of George Floyd is a painful reminder that we NEED to do better. We need to make changes. I am hopeful that we can and will.

I have always believed that the world is a small place, and having gone to school in a very multi-cultural environment, I understood at a young age that we are all more alike than different. As an adult, I still believe that, and it is one of my most unshakeable beliefs.

It is also one of the most enjoyable pieces of my business: to see people come overseas, perhaps never having ventured here before, and watch them experience the beauty of the area, the people, the customs, the art, the history…all culminating in a final evening’s large, family-style dinner with all of the people who have contributed to the smooth functioning of the retreats: the venue owners and staff, the chefs, the drivers…

I receive so much feedback about this one meal (even though there have been many wonderful experiences, meals, day-trips and memories made over the 10 days), I know we are making a difference. We really are more alike than different, and whether we speak the same language or not, sharing food and laughter is a communion that proves what I have always believed.

I know that Italy, as well as SW France (where I also host) and all the other places in the world will need help in recovering. I plan to do my part by moving forward with the 2021 seasons. I hope you will be able to join me in experiencing the beauty of these areas by participating in some of our newest offerings of workshops. And there’s even still a couple of spaces in the October, 2020, Bev Birdwell workshop, if you are hankering to get to France. (She’s a lot of fun and you won’t regret your choice if you come. https://www.lisastatkus.com/bev-birdwells-sketchbook-journals-france-2020/)

In 2021, I will be organizing an Egg Tempera Salon, featuring some of the most incredible and well-respected teachers from around the world. Egg tempera is an ancient method of painting that is enjoying a resurgence of interest these days, and offers a luminous, delicious finished artwork that may or may not include gilding. If you are a person who has enjoyed drawing, egg tempera may be your newest favorite medium; it definitely is mine. The salon will give you an opportunity to meet some fabulous instructors, with whom you may discover you simply must study during their formal workshops, often held in Italy annually. You’ll get to see and hear what this medium is all about and discover ways that it is being used today.

Also, for the first time, there will be a Cooking, Wine and Truffle-Hunting workshop in the Fall, when truffles abound. This is not a painting workshop, but if you are so inclined, feel free to bring your sketchbook and/or supplies for use during your free time. Instead, we will have dedicated chefs sharing favorite Tuscan recipes that you will make and EAT, vintners explaining their craft and offering tastings, and yes, you WILL be hunting truffles, so bring some sturdy shoes for that!

In between our scheduled activities we will venture to some of the hill towns and historic sites, and in that way, we will be supporting the economy and the lovely people. You will have a great time, I have no doubt.

The annual painting and photography workshops will still be offered as well and you can check back to the website, Lisa’s Gryphon Art & Travel, periodically to see what has been added. I recommend this because there will be some special prices offered only for limited times as the retreats are added, although the regular prices are always praised as a great value by guests, since these are all-inclusive*.

Dear friends, colleagues, artists…I hope you will join me in one of these upcoming workshops and I wish you the most satisfying “new normal” that we can create collaboratively. It is really up to us, and our meters are running. If you have a teacher you would like to recommend or an idea for an international workshop, do not hesitate to contact me: statkuslisa@gmail.com.  Please put Workshop Idea in the Subject line so I don’t miss your message.

Keep creating. The world needs all the help it can get. Peace out.

-Lisa