Here are just
a few of the wonderful articles
from inside the Sept/Oct 2001 issue of Somerset
Studio®
Order Online
Artist
Portfolio: Leslie Altman
“The term "mixed media artist" may well have been coined
to describe Leslie Altman. Pick any creative medium and Leslie has probably
been there, done that. A giant wall mural? Oh, yeah. Advertising poster?
Certainly. Multi-textured collage? Realistic watercolor? Small, intimate
jewelry pieces? Patina-coated treasure chests? She’s done it all.”—Roberta
Lynn
The
Italian Clowns of Commedia Dell’Arte
“It started in 1550, or thereabouts; no one knows the exact date.
But every year the common folk—the laborers and the farmers—anxiously
awaited the arrival of a small band of actors, acrobats and singers.
The comedy was crude and broad, the characters never changing from one
year to the next. La Commedia Dell’Arte was presented by skilled
actors who had to juggle and perform acrobatics in addition to portraying
their various roles on stage. And they didn’t always have a prepared
script—improvisation was a necessary skill for both actors and
actresses in the Commedia.”—Anne Bagby
An
Artful Journey: Tuscany
“Our vacation in this enchanted locale, living in the style of
contented Italians enjoying their country home, began as a dream and
continues to unfold as an ongoing catalyst for change in the lives of
our family and friends who shared the experience. Transported from our
homes in Orange County, California, to a serene village in Italy, we
marveled at the leisurely pace and daily rituals of shopping for fresh
food, sitting in the town square and strolling through the winding streets
of local hill towns.…”—Linda Blinn
Paper
Theaters … A Collection
“My interest in the subject was rekindled this year when I viewed
the Alexander Girard Collection in the Museum of International Folk
Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As I carefully studied each tiny proscenium,
noting the subtle differences between the English, French, German, and
Italian versions, I realized that I wanted to create my own toy theater.
Later I invited several artist friends to join me in this challenge.
This article is the result of the inspired and enthusiastic efforts
of four contemporary artists exploring an artform from the past.”—Lynne
Perrella
