La montagna nostra

When I was about 5 year old, Nonno Settimio – my late grandfather from my father side – picked me up and, pointing at the mountain of San Donato – the village I grew up in – , said: “Guarda, vessa è la montagna nostra!” (“Look, that is our mountain!”). To which my cheeky little mind started thinking: “Our family owns a mountain!? When I turn 18, I will sell that mountain and I’ll. Be. Rich!”

Quite often, Nonno Settimio also used to tell me “Tu si’ ‘n’ artista!” (You’re an artist!) if I made a nice drawing or similar juvenile artistic pursuits.

As years went by, I did not sell that mountain, and clearly didn’t become an artist either… But one thing is sure: my love for coloured pencils and pens hasn’t withered – and if we’ve ever been on a zoom call from my London home office you can confirm that.

To rediscover this childhood passion of mine and start releasing some pent up creative juices, last night I joined “French Comics Drink & Draw“, an event organised by the Institut français du Royaume-Uni in South Kensington.

While sipping a glass of wine, I listened to French graphic novelists Lucie Arnoux and Nicolas Wild talking about their art, style and techniques. Then, they guided the audience through a drawing session using 3 subjects of their choice: imaginary friend, the end of the world, your favourite character.

And much to my surprise, one of my drawing I won the first prize! a.k.a. 2 free Ciné Lumière tickets.

I was a happy 5 year old artist all over again.

Sleep tight.