Saturday, March 7, 2015

Day Tour Istria: Novigrad, Croatia

Dear Art lover,

     Yesterday was the anniversary of Michelangelo’s birthday, as well as the birthday of my landlady, Miranda.  Because you needed to know that!  Her grandson Boris took me out for about six hours.  We drove around Istria because Miranda wanted me to see something of the land.  I have been working so much trying to figure out my life and what is next for my art that I hardly leave my room, except for grocery store runs and occasional walks along the sea.  I make jokes that the real reason Miranda knocks on my door with some local treats is to make sure that I have not succumbed in her home!

     Boris and I visited briefly Novigrad, Poreč, Pazin, and Motovun.  On the return from Motovun, we passed the home of actor Anthony Hopkins, with a view of Grožnjan.  I learned some unusual facts about Istria and Croatia.  For example, the Croatians invented the tie.  It was then stolen by the French when Napoleon discovered it. 

Istrian colors in downtown Novigrad, Croatia
Beautiful warm colors in central Novigrad, Croatia

Stone and concrete are classical combinations from Roman times
ramp /stair combo of stone and cement
     Also, there are about nine or ten distinct types of wind here… I mean actually wind, not the punny kind.  People here mostly speak of La Bora (the cold and cutting wind that we experienced yesterday and the day before) and Il Jugo [the warm and humid wind that the Istrians find draining and depressing].  Boris told me that La Bora lasts either one, three, or five days; never for two or four days.  Well, that is easy to remember:  It is not even, it’s ODD!  Haha.  It does cut through and I told Miranda that I was grateful that she loaned me her coat early in my arrival.  It offers much better protection from the wind than my own coat does.

     Anyway, here are a few snapshots of our little daytrip to see the land of Miranda (and Boris)’s birth.  Today, I am featuring a glimpse into Novigrad, Croatia.  I would definitely enjoy returning to this place for a closer look!


     I am so excited by my early supporters for the “Casting Call: I’m Melting . . . Melting! Into Bronze” on Kickstarter.  We have now surpassed the $1,000 mark and have still a long way to go, but hey, it is all in the baby steps before running and every single part helps with the whole goal!

The Adriatic Sea meets the old stone wall in Novigrad, Croatia

 
The Adriatic Sea meets the old stone wall in Novigrad, Croatia
The Adriatic Sea meets the old stone wall in Novigrad, Croatia
Stone walls on the Adriatic Sea in Novigrad, Croatia     I cannot thank you enough for participating in any way.  You may even help by spreading the word (with the link for easy access).  Word of mouth with a personal note is the best way to connect, as you know.  So, here it is and thanks for checking it out.  I will be adding a few new rewards in the coming days.  I really want these wax sculptures cast.

This is a link to my new and first Kickstarter project.  Maybe you have heard of Kickstarter.com? https://www.kickstarter.com/

Thank you so much,

Kelly

~ Kelly Borsheim, sculptor, painter, writer, teacher


Stone Tower on the Adriatic Sea in Novigrad, Croatia

Adriatic Sea Novigrad, Croatia beach shore

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