“It is your duty in life to save your dream.” Amedeo Modigliani
The Woman with Red Hair 1917
January 2008 marked the first year of my Art Page-a-Day calendar journey.
I came across the calendar quite by accident when meandering through the aisles of my favourite book store – the kind that has big comfy chairs that entice browsers to sit for a few minutes and savour the smell and sight of books.
That afternoon I left with a calendar under my arm, confident that I had fulfilled a personal promise to myself. For several weeks I had been considering ways in which to introduce art into my daily routine. What better way than to start the morning with a new art piece to reflect upon for the rest of the day.
The Woman with the Red Hair – that was my first introduction to the genius and tragedy of Amedeo Modigliani. The darkened eyes, the tilt of her head, the elongated head, the small red lips – spoke of a gentle, yet resilient voice. Who was the artist who captured this exquisite face?
My gratitude goes to Amedeo Modigliani and the Woman with the Red Hair. They were my first introduction to the many artistic adventures that were to follow. It has been 10 years of art calendars. Each calendar year has been kept safely behind glass doors waiting for me to reopen the stories held in each unfolding day.
“When I know your soul, I will paint your eyes” Amedeo Modigliani