2007 january
Close to my studio on the Lizard, the cliffs of Predannack face west, or even north west and cast deep shadows particularly with the low sun. The sea contrasts sharply as it is often gold and silver in the sunlight. The similarity between the cliff face and that of a cathedral facade suddenly struck me while out drawing in 2006. I was reminded of a sharp winter's day in front of MIlan cathedral (Duomo) in 1995 with my wife Sue, and daughters Kathryn and Paula. Paula was working in Milan at that time.
I wondered if drawing the Duomo might add a new dimension to my cliff work. Through exceptional Italian kindness I was able to translate these ideas into action in January of 2007 with a two week visit to Milan.
The facade of the Duomo was covered in scaffolding (the restoration work was supposed to be completed months before) and this time the interior felt cold and inhuman. My italian friend showed me her favourite Milan church, San Lorenzo, which that day was celebrating Mass for the Philipino families living in the city - crowded, intense, warm with candlelight. I returmed to work in San Lorenzo.
However I was still determined that the Duomo would be my main target and ultimately while sketching there, the gloom was broken by the laughter and screams of teenagers waiting for a celebrity in the piazza outside, then all warmed and finally to my relief the drawings came.