A Dopo Italia - Memories Of La Macina Di San Cresci Artist Residency 2024

Italy seems like a distant yet vivid and magical memory. Have you ever been to a place which has touched your heart, leaving an imprint on your soul and lingers like a beautiful dream? A place that forever creates a magical space in your heart, to which you often return in your mind? That is what La Macina Di San Cresci is for me - a timeless, enchanted place that fills my heart with joy and longing simultaneously.

The pieve (church) at San Cresci began its life in 10th C with humble begins as a modest medieval church which still remains to this day. Its history is as vast and magical as its huge original wooden fairy-tale doors and locks which are found throughout the structure. The building is set in a time which man has forgotten, when life was simple, and people worked the land with hoe and bullock. The name La Macina comes from the original stone olive press which remains in the studios beneath the building. A well-worn path remains around the press and one can imagine a small animal driving the stone around and around to press the famous Italian olive oil.

The residency is now owned by artist, Duccio Trassinelli and architect Demetria Verduci. They lovingly restored the building about 25 years ago and renovated the villa into three apartments. One for themselves and two others for artist quarters. The studios are in the basement which also features the olive press and original olive barrel.

At any one time there can be 1 to 9 artists living, working and enjoying communal living at the residency. This was my third visit, and every time I go there is a different, beautiful, and unique energy created by the various talented people who are living and creating there at the time. Evenings in the garden eating delicious Tuscan delights, drinking too many negronis (is that possible?!) and discussing world art views with Mimma, Duccio and the artists is often my favourite part of the day.

This time I packed light and included only my essentials. Previous times I have lugged large sheets of paper and loads of artist supplies. This time was different, only a small pochade box, essential paints, brushes and painting boards. Together with wonderful concertina books and artist diary.

Each experience is different and a beautiful surprise. This time, I was invited to paint for a group exhibition in America set for 2025. This led me to create a small series of impasto works on paper, reflecting the atmosphere and beauty of the area. It would have been remiss of me to not paint the vast rolling hills covered tapestry-like of grape vines and olive trees. Years ago, this would have intimidated me. However, ten years later, with my confidence resolved and my inner strength renewed, I felt able to conquer this incredibly beautiful landscape, steeped in history.

As with any experience which is felt with the soul, my time at La Macina was all too short. My four glorious weeks went too fast, and time was not my friend.

I can still feel that splendid Tuscan sun on my back, the smell of ripening grapes, and the sound of tractors ploughing the endless rows. As I recall these memories, while writing this blog, I feel a profound sense of belonging to a place which has grown part of my soul. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: being an artist can be a solitary experience. But when you find a place which that truly makes you feel like you belong, you hold on tight. This is La Macina Di San Cresci.

Grazie mille Mimma, Duccio and Elizabeth for your hospitality.
A dopo.

Yours in art,

Bec xoxo