Paper, Paper, Paper and Shops

So far, in our three studio days, we have met two different old Veneitian men who specialize in paper-related trades: sculptural paper making and using pulp experimentally, and marbling paper. Both speak only Italian and French, have lived in Venice for over 20 years on streets that snake back into the depths of the residential areas, and share the same philosophy: to continue to experiment, experiment, experiment. And seriously research the trade and practice what you do - a philosophy I share. Watching those men work was an experience in itself because of the mastery they each brought to their specified trade, almost a serene kind of thing. The process of marbling was studied by Alberto, the master, in Turkey because of the commonality between the serenity of Whirling Dervishes and the process of marblizing paper, a fact I found very interesting.

Last night (after class) and this morning I wandered around looking in different shops: paper shops, mask shops, fresh fruit markets, etc. With two other people, we found one of the oldest mask shops in the city where the people make it within the shop, continuing the craftsman trade handed down through Venice. The man who spoke to us owned the shop, and even gave us the names of the two other shops in the city that followed the same philosophy, explaining that each shop was different and you need to look around to find the mask right for you. (The masks are related to the two week Carnavale Festival prior to lent, aka Mardi Gras for two entire weeks, in Venice at the end of February.)

Walking around the Mercato Centrale near the Rialto Bridge and seeing the market was comforting in a way because of the fresh markets I frequent in Baltimore. Addionally that area, although it contained many tourists, served the locals as well. A bread shop we wandered into was definitely a local hotspot with many Venetians lined up yelling orders at the staff, all knowing each other.

Anyway, my time is up. Wandering is the best advice I could give!