BLOG

This is the blog of Steve Burkett of Italy, Our Italy

The Results Are In - Part 9

I recently filled you in on recognition in the 8th International Color Awards, and I feel compelled to keep you up to date regarding additional recognition.

“I am always pleased when a juror or jurors single out my work for recognition. That is not the driving force in my photographic work, but it does give one a boost when it is received!”

This recognition concerns the PhotoPlace Gallery in Middlebury, Vermont. This gallery is strictly for photography and their themed exhibits change monthly. You last saw two of my exhibited photos in my article The Results Are In! Part 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 (it was part 5, by the way).

Today's article covers three different exhibits -- one past, one current, and one upcoming. Here are the works that have received recognition.

 

FYI: You can see a slideshow recap of all awards, recognition and accolades by clicking the RECOGNITION link on my webpage.

Theme: Going Places 

Sept 22 - Oct 23, 2015

This photo is titled "Movin' On". It was taken on a wonderful day in The Highlands of Iceland. The vehicle in the photo was one of eight or so that I saw that day on this 160 mile road. And the road? It is exactly as you see it here for its entire length. 

Movin' On

Want to see a bit more of Iceland? See my YouTube video.

Theme: Up Close and Personal 

May 11 - June 13, 2016

Two photos were selected for the current Up Close And Personal exhibit. 

This first photo is one of my favorite flower photos. There are millions of dogwood trees blooming in the southeastern U.S. in the spring, and I enjoy seeing them. Traveling one of the many narrow back roads of Tennessee, I was able to capture this photogenic dogwood branch. As I traveled through the southeast last month, I was again treated all along the way to these spectacular blooms.

Dogwood

Here is a dandelion puff that you may have seen before. It was one of my first recognized photos from when Black & White Magazine had a companion color photo contest in 2012. My wife, Ellen, and I were picnicing in Vail along Gore Creek when I spotted this healthy puff. I used a bit of strategery to pluck just a few of the seeds to reveal the heart of the puff in this photo which I have titled 'Puff Fluff'. 

Puff Fluff

Here is the color version from Black & White Magazine, which received a Silver Award back in 2012. It is just the upper-right quadrant of the same image, above.

 

Theme: Flight

June 8 - July 1, 2016

Both the photographer Ansel Adams and painter Georgia O'Keefe made the San Francisco de Assisi Church at Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, famous in the early 1930s. My more modern version is just below. 'Ranchos Morning' was indeed taken in the morning. I believe that the passing bird adds to the drama of this fabulous adobe church, which was completed in 1816.

In her Juror's statement, juror Laura Moya cited this photo in particular as she said, "Details in some of the imagery stick with me...a hawk soars above the famed Ranchos de Taos church...". 

Ranchos Morning

I am always pleased when a juror or jurors single out my work for recognition. That is not the driving force in my photographic work, but it does give one a boost when it is received!

Ciao for now,

Steve

My Twitter Feed...

Evening at Piazza San Marco

The Contrast

USA: Dinner, a drive, a movie, a drive...to bed.

Venice: Dinner...lingering over dinner...a stroll through quiet streets...orchestral music on the Piazza San Marco until the midnight bell tolls...to bed.

“Three of the restaurants on the Piazza have orchestra stands from which music entertains you througout the evening”

There is a big difference between the evenings in Italy and in the US.

Dinner in Italy is unhurried. There is no rush. Your dinner partner(s) and waitstaff are your entertainment. Each course arrives at just the appropriate time. The wine level in the bottle seems to lower at just the right pace. There is no rush. A grappa will be offered at some point after dessert. There is no rush. There is no rush. You've finally gotten it through your head...there is no rush. You won't receive your bill until you ask for it...'Il Conto, per favore'. Never were you rushed. This is your evening.

And after dinner? When the sun dims, the evening begins to shine for us. The heat of the day has been lifted. Campos which were full of vendors during the day have been miraculously cleared for outdoor dining. People are laughing and having a good time. After dinner, those fortunate to stay overnight in Venice are heading to Piazza San Marco for the nightly concert...or should I say, concerts.

The Piazza

There is only one gathering space in Venice large enough to be called a 'piazza' -- the rest are piazzetta or campo. Surrounded on three sides by consistent city buildings and on the fourth by the Basilica San Marco, Piazza San Marco is huge. 

Here is a photo of the Piazza that was taken in January from the balcony of the Basilica...if you haven't been to Venice, trust me that only in the winter will you find so few people here.  

Panorama of Piazza San Marco taken from the balcony of Basilica San Marco

The Campanile

Note that you can see the base of the Campanile (bell tower) in the photo. Here is the top of the Campanile, where the bell is located. The bell tolls an important event in your evening.

 

Original Campanile in ruins after its collapse

But, this is not the original campanile which was completed in 1514. Here is a photo of the original campanile, after its collapse on July 14, 1902 at 9:45am. Not as tall as it was the day before. Today's campanile was completed in 1912. And alas, though there were 5 bells (all tuned to a different octave of 'A') in the original campanile, each named and having its own tolling function, four of the bells were destroyed in the disaster, so that today there is only one bell.

A few of the pigeons of the Piazza

One of the joys...I guess it's a joy...are the pigeons of the piazza. In the past, one could purchase bird feed to attract these pesky birds. But, the wise city fathers have now prohibited the act to try to reduce the number of pigeons on the piazza. 

 

Concert Time

In the two photos below, which were taken in the evening from the Campanile, you see the sights of your entertainment for the evening. 

Western end of the Piazza San Marco

North side of the Piazza San Marco

Three of the restaurants on the Piazza have orchestra stands from which music entertains you througout the evening. On the left in the top photo is the Caffe Florian. In the lower photo are Ristorante Quadri on the left and Cafe Lavena on the right.

To avoid the cacophony of sound that would result from all of the orchestras playing at the same time, they take turns. So, if you stand in the middle of the Piazza, you can wander from one side to the other to enjoy the music. Want to dance with your partner? Go ahead. Want to sit down for a cappuccino or soda? Go ahead, but expect to pay a hefty cover charge. But either way, you will enjoy the evening of music.

Here are some photos of the musicians as they make their music...just for you. 

The orchestra of Caffe Florian

The Evening's End

At midnight, all will be finished. You will know the time by the one, solitary tolling of the Marangona bell of the campanile. It's now time to return to your hotel. Tomorrow will bring many more memories for the two of you in the world's most magical city.

No dinner and a movie here...just dinner and memories to last a life time. 

 

Ciao for now,

Steve

The Results Are In - Part 8

I received a recent award notification for The 8th International Color Awards. This is another of those big competitions that have entrants from over 80 countries and have over 8,000 photos submitted. 

Several of my photos were nominated for further judging, and as a result, two were recognized as Honorable Mentions by the jury.

I have to admit that only 4 of the 12 photos in recognition were taken in Italy, the rest were taken here in the USA and Iceland. Here are the photos -- just click on a photo for a larger view.

Honorable Mentions

Abstract Category

This first photo is called 'Bourbon Street R & R'. The photo style is what I call a 'slurred' photo. I used a very slow shutter speed to allow movement of the subject. I have had a lot of fun with this process. The photo, 'Pink House Slurred' below was taken with the same process. You can see many other of these slurred photos on my non-Italy website here. 

Bourbon Street R & R

Fine Art Category

If you are a regular reader of my articles, you have seen 'Busy Day on the Grand Canal' before...and, here it is again. This photo was created using over 80 photos taken in about one hour from the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Be sure to check out that couple in the boat at the bottom-center of the photo.

Busy Day on the Grand Canal

Nominated

Abstract Category

'Pink House Slurred' is one of the slurred photos mentioned above. It was taken in the Texas panhandle from a moving vehicle at 73mph...this according to the Texas State Trooper. 

Pink House Slurred

Architecture Category

The photo of the abandoned church, aptly titled 'Abandoned Church' (catchy, huh?), was taken in northern New Mexico in the small (very small) town of Grenville. 

Abandoned Church

This next photo was taken during a serendipitous lunar-puddle moment in Iceland after a long day of driving The Highlands. It was captured during sunset, which in Iceland literally lasts about 3 hours in the summer. I call this 'Icelandic Barn at Sunset'...I know, I know...another catchy title.

Icelandic Barn at Sunset'

Fine Art Category

The photo called 'Just Around the Corner' was taken on the island of Burano, in the Venetian lagoon. I liked the way the sunlight was hitting the orange-painted plaster of one of the many colorful homes of Burano. 

Just Around the Corner

Nature Category

Back to Iceland and the outlet of the Jokulsarlon Lagoon for 'Blue Ice, Black Sand'. This is where icebergs are washed out to sea, only to be washed ashore to die a cold, dripping death. There are more Iceland photos here. 

Blue Ice, Black Sand

This photo is titled 'Church Rock' because that is what it's called, when translated from Icelandic.  It is another photo taken in Iceland during one of those super-long sunsets. And yes, the mountainside is truly that green.

Church Rock

'Evening Seastacks' was captured late one afternoon at Second Beach on the Washington coast on the Olympic Peninsula. 

Evening Seastacks

In the extreme north of Arizona, on the Navajo Reservation, you will find the magnificent Antelope Canyon, this being the northern portion of that canyon. The very deep sandstone canyon has been cut over the centuries and I was able to capture it looking straight up with 'Just a Chance of Clouds'. 

Just a Chance of Clouds

People Category

In 'Sunday Morning Paper' we see a stylish Roman gentleman reading his morning paper in Campo Trevi, which is home to the famous Trevi Fountain. 

Sunday Morning Paper

Still Life Category

I call this photo 'A Very Still Life', because that is exactly what I saw when I came across it on the island of Burano. 

A Very Still Life

 

Well, that's it. Some of these photos you have seen before in the other articles with titles beginning with 'The Results Are In...'  I'll keep you up to date as I hear about other results coming in. 

Ciao for now,

Steve

Major Renovation

I recently completed a major renovation. 'At your home?', you ask. 'No', I say, 'it's another remodel in Venice.'

“As you probably know by now, I don’t want to present today’s Venice to you, but one from several centuries ago. So...with tools in hand, I begin the renovation.”

 

That's the subject of today's article...another Italian door transformation, but this one, a major renovation. See what I mean below.

Below is the original snapshot that I captured in Venice in 2012. As we find in many renovations, there was a lot that I didn't like when I saw this door, but I also saw some potential.

The original snapshot showing the renovation job ahead of me.

Here is what I didn't like about the scene as it appeared before me. I felt that the symmetry was ruined by the sliver of canal on the right. Does that drainpipe and bit of window on the left add to the architects vision? I don't think so. 

As you probably know by now, I don't want to present today's Venice to you, but one from several centuries ago. So, the six apartment ringers on the left and the one on the right need to go. With tools in hand, I begin the renovation.

The canal demolition was easy...with crop tool in hand, all I had to do was chip away a bit at the right side of the image. 

I removed the ringer at the right and then patched the hole that was left. Ditto the set of six ringers on the left...but it took a bit more plaster to complete that job.

That pesky drainpipe was a problem. As was the short half pillar. And then there is that bit of wall with window. But, as they say in Italy, "Nessun problema!"

With the proper tools, I was able to cut out the drain pipe, form up and cast the short pillar, and I even though I'm not a stone mason, I had the skills to do some repair to the stone pavement. I'm beginning to see that this job is not insurmountable. 

So, below is the current status of my renovation. 

Here is the current status of this renovation 

Now, this is more of what I had envisioned when I saw the scene before me. Things are beginning to take shape.

There is still a bit more to do, though.

I think that only a designer with a skilled eye can see the changes wrought below, which mainly constitute applying a bit of darkened patina to the plaster work.

But, you with your skilled eye can, I'm sure, see that I've missed a significant element in my renovation work. Yes, it's the mail slot! That mail slot has to go...and it did. Don't bother to look around in nearby trash bins, as I've hidden it away where the residents won't be able to find it!

But, after I got rid of the mail slot, I felt that the huge knocker on the right sat lonely. I went to my catalogs and was able to find a duplicate, which I duly ordered and then installed on the door on the left. Better...I find the two big knockers to be satisfying.

Oh, I then called in an un-locksmith to un-install the modern lock. Gone.

And then as most renovations end, I went through paint chips so that I could apply a fresh coat of paint to the doors. The basic color was the same as the original doors, but I selected a more saturated blue, with just a bit more white in it to lighten the color.

That's it for this week. A complete renovation of a Venetian door. This one fairly dramatic with the removal of that wall et al on the left...and the complete removal of a Venetian canal.

Those knockers remind me of a knock-knock joke. Here it is. I'll leave it to you to start it off -- go ahead:

  • You: 'Knock-knock'
  • Me: 'Who's there?'
  • You: 'Uhhhh....'
  • Me: [I'm laughing uproariously] 

 

Ciao for now,

Steve

Stay Here: Hotel Flora

Venice can beat you down!

Don't get me wrong, it's the most magical and fabulous city in the world (maybe the whole universe, but I can’t make that claim…yet), but with the exception of a rare boat ride on the Grand Canal, your mode of transportation is always your feet. 

The Hotel Flora is located in a quiet oasis just off Calle Larga XXII Marzo

“Before we head out for the evening, let’s recuperate a bit in our comfortable room. Go ahead and put your feet up. Maybe trade foot rubs with your loved one? ”

In the summer, the heat and hordes of tourists can drive you to drink, but that's OK, as the Hotel Flora has an oasis of a bar and a quiet, peaceful garden courtyard for your respite. [Note: I suggest avoiding the summer months if at all possible -- visit Venice in the fall or spring for less heat and crowds -- or we found January to be very charming with virtually no crowds]

The Hotel Flora has an outstanding location! On this map, I've colorfully shown the primary sites and routes within the San Marco district. The Hotel Flora is centrally located, as I've shown in the red box. Click on photos to see larger views.

Arrival at the Hotel Flora is a easy. A water taxi from the train station or airport can get you within 50 paces, with no need to go up and down bridge steps. 

Since I'm on that subject ‘steps’, let me expound a bit. You don't want to be schlepping your baggage to your hotel! I've mentioned before the 409 bridges of Venice, most of which you ascend and descend via steps. If you're like us, and I certainly know that we are, then you probably travel with numerous pieces of baggage. Here's a poor guy who defines 'schlepping'.

It seems to me that hotel travel sites like TripAdvisor should include a 'Schlep Factor' when describing hotels in the magical city of Venice. My advice, use a water taxi to get as close to your hotel as possible. For the Hotel Flora, you're just a level hop-skip-and-a-jump from boat to lobby.

Your Room

Each time we've stayed in the Flora our rooms were simply delightful. Just below, you can see our room, as well as the view from our room. And there is nothing lacking in the well-appointed bathrooms.

 

Below, I'll take you through your Venetian day as you stay at the Hotel Flora. Let's start with going down the stairs (and there is an elevator if you wish).

Stairs

There are four floors to the Hotel Flora.

The stairs are beautifully appointed. Let's walk down to our morning meal, colazione.

Breakfast

This is not your American box-motel breakfast! In the photos below from the hotel's website, you get an accurate idea of what you should expect.

You are free to dine indoors in the comfortable dining area, if you wish. This morning dining area doubles as the afternoon/evening lounge.

We prefer to take breakfast in the quiet garden, as you can see here. If you looked in the two windows at the top, you would be looking into our room.

The beautiful and quiet garden of the Hotel Flora

Your Venetian Day

If you are like most of the tourist visiting Venice, you will head out at mid-morning when things have opened for the day. The exception would be you who like to rise early and wander Venice with fewer others present…this is a nice time for Venice exploring. And then there is the Rialto Market, where you will want to arrive early in the morning to see the start of the day's activity. 

After breakfast, you will more than likely have lunch out and about at one of the hundreds of outdoor trattoria. All have their menu posted so that you can see what they offer, just as this gentleman is doing in the photo just below. For some reason, it seems to me that he and this eating establishment will be simpatico. 

These two are having lunch at an outdoor trattoria on the Campo Santa Stefano.

After a nice meal with unusually outstanding house wine, you will head out again to see the sites, shop, and learn just how fabulous Venice really is.

Tired now, aren't you? That's a lot of walking. Wouldn't you like to sit for a bit to relax? Let's do that in...

The Courtyard and Bar

Here's my friend Scott about to grab ‘due prosecco por favore’ to take to the garden courtyard. The Hotel Flora bar is well stocked and the prosecco is cold, just as you like it.

Photo by Debbie Kennedy

Your table awaits, and it sure feels good to sit for a bit to rest your feet.

Well chilled, bubbly, refreshing, and tasty. Ahhhh.

Do you like to read? Maybe it's time to pull out your book and sit quietly for a bit.

The Evening

Before we head out for the evening, let's recuperate a bit in our comfortable room. Go ahead and put your feet up. Maybe trade foot rubs with your loved one? 

Heading out from the well-located Hotel Flora, you will have many, many fine-dining opportunities within an easy walk. So, go ahead and put on your heals.

These two fashionable gals (Debbie and Ellen) are heading down the runway of the Hotel Flora's narrow calle into ancient Venice. I know where they are going...and you may, too -- if you read my recent article on Ristorante Antico Martini. It's only a short walk.

Returning Home

Italy is not a country of dinner and a movie. This is the place where dinner is the construct of the evening. Plan to spend at least three hours enjoying the atmosphere, the waiters, perhaps the view, and of course the food and wine. But in Venice, there is another opportunity before your head hits the pillow, so let's be sure to walk through piazza San Marco as we head home. Read here to see how we like to enjoy our Piazza San Marco Venetian evenings.

Your Hotel Flora awaits down that narrow calle.

As the evening passes, you reflect on this day, and then the next.

That's the lovely Hotel Flora. I recommend it highly. If you want to explore more, here is the link to the Hotel Flora:  http://www.hotelflora.it/ 

 

There is one thing, though. There's this mosaic in the courtyard that intrigues me. Not sure from whence it comes, who created it. Perhaps it's there to remind us that relaxing after a long day of walking is something that is encouraged. Maybe that lounging while on vacation is an activity in itself.

Whatever the purpose, I have to say I like it...but that's just me...it appeals to my artistic interests...I mean I do enjoy the Titians, Tiepolos, Tintorettos and all...surely this should just be thought of as one more of the many wonderful works of art that should be experienced in Venice...right? And, I know it would never be confused with those wonderful mosaics that cover every inch of the Basilica San Marco that I've shown you before. Maybe you have some insight? If so, use the comment box to let me know.

 

Ciao for now,

Steve

@2025 All Rights Reserved  |  A division of Steve Burkett Photography