Sounds of Florence: A Bell Collection

Acrylic and Ink on Paper

This collection was inspired by the time I lived in Florence—by my early morning walks through the heart of the city, where the Arno River gently meanders, and the first light unfolds across historic rooftops. Each day, Florence awakened to a symphony of bells, their resonant chimes weaving through narrow streets, crossing bridges, and filling quiet courtyards. These sounds became the rhythm of my days, an unspoken dialogue between past and present, tradition and memory.

"Sounds of Florence" is my tribute to this symphony. Each drawing in this series captures a moment when I stood still, immersed in the ambiance, letting the bells' echoes wash over me. Some rang from grand basilicas, their deep tolls commanding the city’s attention, while others chimed softly from hidden monasteries, carrying whispered prayers. Their forms, rich with history, aged patina, and timeworn imperfections, are intricately detailed in ever.

But beyond the visual, these drawings evoke the aural. They invite you to listen. To hear the ancient tolls, the whispered histories, the fervent prayers, and joyous celebrations. It's a tribute not just to the bells but to Florence itself – a city where every stone, every shadow has a song to sing.

When this collection was exhibited, it resonated deeply with its audience, selling out on the very first day. The overwhelming response was a testament to the power of sound, history, and memory intertwining through art. While these original pieces have found their homes, commissions are available for those who wish to bring the spirit of Florence into their own space.