Trees in Cervo Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic/linen 13 x 16" 27 x 41 cm
Kumquat Tree Laurie Fox Pessemier acrylic/linen 12 x 12" 30 x 30cm
Fishing Boat Reflections Early Morning Blair Pessemier Acrylic/linen 18 x 23.5 45 x 60 cm
Fishing boat late day sun Blair Pessemier Acrylic/linen 16 x 16" 40 x 40cm
Boat at rest Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic/linen 13 x 16
Cervo and Olive Trees Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic/linen 14 x 21.5" 38 x 55 cm
Gathering Olives Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic/linen 18 x 23.5" 45 x 60
Dog walking Blair Pessemier Acrylic/linen 13 x 16 33 x 41 cm
Fisherman House Blair Pessemier Acrylic/linen 16 x 12" 40 x 30 cm
Artnotes: with Passion
“You better not have my dog in that picture”, a crone in Diano Marina charged across the beach and shouted at us. I was taking pictures at the beach, and yes, dogs, many of them, were part of the picture. Why would she care? I wanted to ask. Did the dog commit a crime? Was the dog stolen? Is it supposed to be dead? I was 100 yards away and it was a silly little Chihuahua in a black plastic coat.
Don’t worry, a friend says, crones bring good luck in Italy. So, if you are looking for a lucky crone, this is the place.
I am trying to get around to the beach/dog picture, in fact. Dogs are a major element here. Blair and I have filled nearly all the canvases we brought, plus we found a roll of canvas we left here last year, on top of the armoire. Painting in Cervo has made me feel passionate about painting again. As I painted from the car, Harika in the back seat, I felt transported, and as if my picture was the best I ever made. It wasn’t [the best], but it is what one feels with a passion for something.
I feel passion for making food. There were certain items I could get here that were interesting to work with: 20 artichokes, thorned and medium-sized, for 10 euros, for example. And the citrus fruit is nearly free – a kilo of clementines for 99 cents. I brought a new cookbook I got for Christmas (thanks, T and family) and put some new ideas into motion.
I like to be in the presence of other people’s passion, as well. I remember how much certain people, especially the designers, loved the furniture they made, when I would go to the High Point Market in North Carolina – their enthusiasm was contagious, and they sold lots. When we went to Genoa (Nervi, actually, the Modern Art museum), we ate near the beach in an old, formal restaurant. It was manned by two rather mature gentlemen, a waitress (a sister?) and a cook. There were fabulous linens, and we ordered a first and second plate. Each dish was proudly presented, and I could taste the good feelings of the kitchen in my food. Passion, in an Italian restaurant.
I am surprised people who are older and afraid of death don’t show more passion in everything they do (I know a few, from 79 to 102, who are like that). And I guess the crone felt passion for her dog. After being sick as a young person, I was compelled to LIVE life as hard as I could, challenging myself, taking risks, living with the maximum amount of passion -- before it was too late.
