TUSCANY – VILLA MICHAELA • Sample Schedule

Thursday / il giovedì – The Mystery of Nature – Tuscany by the Sea

Connessione – A recognition of and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things and phenomena.

For Leonardo, connessione began with his love of nature and intensified through his investigation of human and animal anatomy. Curious observations noted in his journals: "Observe how the movements of the surface of the water resemble that of hair ..."; "Swimming in water teaches men how birds fly upon the air."

Leonardo said, "Nature is full of infinite causes that experience has never demonstrated." It is said that when Leonardo was dumbfounded by these mysteries he could contemplate but not penetrate, that he would set down the scalpel, compass and pen and pick up his paintbrush.

Through the chestnut forests, we make our way to one of nature's wonders, Pietrasanta (Holy Stone). Huge mountains of white marble form the backdrop to Pietrasanta, home to more sculptors than anywhere else in the world, from Michelangelo to Botero. There is truly no other place on earth like this region!

Keara McMartin, a founder of Studio Sem, will explain to us the process of sculpting in marble. In keeping with our theme of experiencing, we will have the opportunity to take a whack or two at the marble. In an instant, we have a new appreciation for this art form.

It is market day in Pietrasanta and we'll have time to explore the town, buy an espresso, and pick up last-minute gifts.

A short drive from Pietrasanta will take us to the beautiful hamlet of Peralta high on the hills overlooking a nature preserve, with views stretching out to the sea. This was the studio and home of the famed sculptress, Fiore de Henriquez. (See www.peraltatuscany.com.)

Sem Studio - Now Our Turn!

Sem Studio - Keara explaining

As a child, Fiore dreamt that one day she would own a minature village for people to come and practice their art. As a young woman, she was visiting her mentor, Jacques Lipchitz, who owned a villa below Peralta. Fiore looked up and spotted her dream. Over years she rennovated the broken-down buildings, stone-by-stone. And, Peralta was born. She became so well-known for her sculpture, that she sculpted busts from HRH Queen Elizabeth to Igor Stravinsky.

We are perched on the hillside surrounded by olive groves, lemon trees, jasmine and purple bougainvilleas. A calmness blankets us as we dine with the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. It is easy to understand how Peralta is the perfect respite for Da Vinci Capers participants.

After lunch on the terrace, we try our hands at sculpting in terra cotta. Stefania Brandinelli will be our guide as we get messy using carving tools, sponges and spritzers to create our masterpieces. If you have never worked in clay before, this may become your next true love!

A wonderfully fun and very special learning vacation. A chance to try new things in a warm and supportive environment with great people.

J. Stiller, Brookline, MA

On to Friday –>

Sculpting lesson at Peralta

Sem Studio

Sem Studio - Now What?!