Tuesday, October 23, 2007

uncle silvano

So, my (Great) Uncle Silvano is pretty much famous in the art world. :) Since I was little I've always known of him and the work he did and I've always wanted to meet him. I finally got the chance when we were in Europe. He does restoration work on statues that are thousands of years old. Thousands and thousands of years .. seriously, it's crazy to wrap your mind around! People from all over the world call him for help in restoring artwork they find. He was even named the best in the world for the work he does .. innnnsane right!?! :)

I was soo excited when he invited us to his workshop in Italy (he also has a 2nd shop in Germany). That was definitely one of the highlights of my trip and we there maybe a total of 10 minutes. :) I was looking forward to it the moment we found out we were going to Europe.

It was strange walking into the workshop and being surrounded by these life size statues .. especially some I had learned about in my art history class a few years ago in photography school! :) Seeing a photograph in a textbook doesn't even do the statue justice when you have the chance to stand right in front of it and take it all in.

The sizes of some of them were unbelievable. One of the pieces he had been working on was hanging from a beam on the ceiling. I stood next to it and came up to it's hips .. & I'm not a short person! I took a picture standing next to it but quite frankly I don't feel the need to share how crappy I looked that day. My hair wasn't done and no make-up had been applied. No one needs to see that. :)

It's pretty crazy to think my uncle does such amazing work! He's full of so much knowledge and history from doing the work he does. I am SO glad I finally got the chance to meet him.

Here are a few shots I took at the workshop. I could have spent the entire day there photographing. :)




15 comments:

Anonymous said...

IM JEALOUS!!! Thats all im gonna say :)

Anonymous said...

AMAZING!!! Uncle Silvanno's work. AMAZING!!! Your work. Oh, and how fortunate were you, that he gave you a piece of his work!!!

Jennifer of VanSuydam Photographers said...

The details in their body structure blows my MIND. I am really good at figure drawing, so I'm a body nerd, haha. That's amazing that people pay your great uncle to do this stuff! I can't imagine how surreal it must have been to stand in the same room as these original statues - amazing.

c r y s t a l said...

wow! It sounds like you had a wonderful trip! I am loving the pictures, and I know it must have been so special to meet your uncle and see the work he does. Amazing!

I look forward to more pictures!

Jen E. said...

WOW! talent sure runs in your family!!

Shelly Valentine said...

So cool!!! I want an uncle like that! I love the images by the way!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous Uncle you have there. Fabulous photographer you are!

Anonymous said...

Uncle Silvano is so great, but he would never let you know it. He served us champagne in a ceramic dish that was over 2,500 yrs old and let us drive his Mercedes in Italy. If I won the lotto I wouldn't be that lucky!!! I see 2 great talents in these pictures.

Deanna's Photography said...

I love these!!! Its so cool that you finally got to meet him!!!! Sounds like an awesome time!!!! Love them all!

Deanna's Photography said...

I love these!!! Its so cool that you finally got to meet him!!!! Sounds like an awesome time!!!! Love them all!

Anonymous said...

Your work is truely amazing. I see a HUGE future for you in your business. Thank-you for being such an inspiration, and the sharing of your wonderful talent.

Unknown said...

I knew you would come back with great shots

Deanna's Photography said...

check out the new pics from Hawaii I posted! =0)

Markissaearle said...

Not only are these incredible art figures, but the images you took of them are amazing. Loved reading your story!!
Cheerio
-Melissa E Earle

Expressions by Amber said...

Let me just say I AM JEALOUS! I love them!