Trails of time passing – Cortona, September 2010

Effects of the passing millennia have softened the impact the ancients imposed upon the Mediterranean lands I live in and visit. Sun bleached steps carved into island hills, temples partly reclining in their grassy fields or mortar-less walls of huge blocks proclaiming their territory, all seem relaxed and at home with the land from which they were hewn. The earth itself having forgiven the violence once done to it, accepting these new contours as part itself. Finding this relaxing of tension almost hypnotic, the images produced by this passage of time transport me to a place of quiet reflection.

Water, the slow but inexorable sculptor is guided by a single imperative, forever drawn towards the centre of the world, whether in a tumbling water fall or the sweet spring of an ancient sanctuary. Flickering reflections and fluctuating colour of that which it party obscures, creates an exciting challenge to capture the essence of this “shape changer”. Along with its calm continuity, camouflaging itself with stolen images of its surroundings.

Even the artefacts that have survived the grinding wheels of time seem less fraught with intent to find a purpose. Empty vessels taken from an ancient tomb are not waiting to be filled. The helmet and armour no longer hear the call to battle. Their message is one of silent contemplation of the centuries past and in their own way invite us to find a similar peace with our past and therefore our future.

Sarah Miatt

Résumé

Born in Hamburg, Germany to British parents, moved to Southampton England shortly afterwards, later studying at Southampton College of Art. 1979 She graduated in fine art from Sheffield University in the north of England. After graduating she moved to Amsterdam, Holland to work, exhibit and teach life drawing. 1985 Returned to England to work and exhibit in the “Wapping Studios. !987 Transfed to Italy with her husband Jonathan, where alongside her own endeavours she has been teaching painting locally as well as taking visiting groups and individuals from abroad. Her work can be found in private collections in the USA and throughout Europe.   Selected one woman shows; 1982 In’t Fortvonsjaco, Amsterdam, Holland 1984 “Smoosje” Cafégallery, Amstedam, Holland 1994 Fortezza di Montalcino, Italy 1994 Palazzo Ferretti, Cortona, Italy 1995 Chiostro San Giovani, Orvieto, Italy 1996 Circolo d’Artisti, Arezzo, Italy From '98-07 Annually in Galleria Severini, Cortona, Italy 2002 Artist in residence, Camden Art Center SC, USA 2002 Palazzo Casali Cortona (Sponsored by Bafi Wines and C.R.F.) 2003 Verteillac Dordogne France 2003-4 Stage design Teatro Signorelli 2005 Nocchia No. 72 Gallery, Cortona 2006 Galleria Elle Arte Palermo 2007 Palazzo Casali (sonsored by MAEC and Banfi Wines) 2009 Galleria Polid'Arte, Spoleto 2009 Bastiano Contrario, Cortona   Group Exhibitions; 1983 “3X3” Tribe Gallery, Amsterdam, Holland 1984 “Exhibitionists” Five Dials Gallery, London, UK 1985 “The Last Wapping Show” London, UK 1999 Palazzo Casali, Cortona, Italy 2000 San Donata Alta, Lucca, Italy 2006-8 Annually Galleria Elle Arte Palermo 2009 Galleria Il Narciso, Rome Artist and daughter