Last year I was sitting outside a bar in Calabria enjoying a cold beer on a beautiful summer’s day in August. There were two groups near me at adjacent tables and I was fascinated by the vastly different level of social interaction within each group. To my right were seven local men playing “La Briscola” (meaning “trump”) a popular card game in Italy. Four of the men were actually playing – two opposing pairs, but all seven were involved talking, shouting, laughing, and gesticulating as only the Italians can. In contrast to my left there was what I took to be a family group. Each member of this group had a mobile phone or tablet and for each this was the main focus of attention. The level of interaction between them was minimal beyond discussing what to order from the bar. Mobile phone technology brings many benefits, but I found it sad seeing such a negative impact on a family get together.
I am a British contemporary fine artist creating powerful acrylic paintings inspired by the interaction of light, colour, and perspective in natural and urban landscapes. I am fascinated by nature enjoying woodland, fell and moorland walking which provide a wealth of inspiration for my painting. For me having the time to stop, look and fully appreciate all the wonders of nature –the wildlife, trees and flowers and the interaction of colours and light – is a remarkable gift. I regularly visit family in Italy and Australia both beautiful countries full of artistic inspiration – some of the most spectacular sunsets, landscapes, and seascapes you will see anywhere in the world. My primary medium is acrylics, and I am a member of the Altrincham Society of Artists and the Visual Artists Association. I sign my artwork Iannello, my mother’s maiden name in her memory.
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