You might remember a few months back I interviewed Miki de Goodaboom about her travel paintings. Well, Miki’s just got back from a trip to Syracuse, Italy, and has produced a series of paintings from her time there. Syracuse is a place I am yet to visit, but judging by Miki’s representations of it, it’s definitely a beautiful part of the world! Here, I talk to Miki about her impressions of Syracuse, as well as ask her to share some tips for those who are considering visiting!
Can you tell us briefly about your trip to Syracuse?
It had always been my dream to visit Sicily, and especially the town of Syracuse. We French people have a thing about Syracuse, it seems to be one of these destinations every French person dreams of. It goes so deep that we even have a wonderful old romantic song about it.
“Before I get old and my springs are gone I’d so much love to see Syracuse to remember it in Paris…”
I spent altogether one week in Syracuse, intensely visiting the town itself and the surrounding area. I had rented a large flat, full of character in Ortigia, the historical heart of the town. It was part of an old factory and had been refurbished and cleverly redesigned by an architect. The spectacular roof terrace certainly helped getting a fabulous overview of the place!
What inspired your work the most in Syracuse?
I was probably most impressed and inspired by the daily market and the street merchants everywhere. The Sicilian people have a wonderful ability to present the food they sell in such an appetising way that you want to try and buy everything. It almost makes me wants to learn cooking, and this says it all! And of course the harbour and the historical buildings were amazing and great motifs for any artist, but I had spent so much time wandering by the markets that I had hardly time left to dedicate to these great motifs. What a sin! I managed to do some though…
What do you hope your paintings tell viewers about Syracuse?
I hope my paintings convey the beauty and vibrancy of that town, and make the viewers want to go there! Make everybody feel what the French song says so well: “to see Syracuse before it’s too late!” And more generally, as always when I do my travel sketches, I wish to make people want to travel, to broaden their minds, to learn about our wonderful world, to break their everyday routine, to enjoy life as much as possible. There would be less evil if there were more happy people around, I am sure!
What was your favourite place or subject to paint in Syracuse?
As I mentioned before, I was particularly taken by the daily markets, but, on the way out of town, there was one marvellous motif that really spoke to me- a wonderful little red Piaggio truck, festooned with garlic and onions, like some kind of Christmas tree – it was simply a delight!
What tips would you give to any readers looking to go to Syracuse (either just on a trip or to paint)?
According to my experience, I would advise them to have a base (hotel or rented flat) in Ortigia. This is really the most wonderful place in Syracuse, beauty is everywhere in all kinds of ways: people, architecture, historical buildings, boats, trees and flowers… Painters would have plenty of motifs as soon as they put a foot outside, and the others plenty of eye-catching stuff. It is simply a place where one feels wonderful, and somehow “at home”.
Concerning the main part of Syracuse, don’t miss the Greek theater and, not far from there, the modern, architecturally amazing Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime.
And then there was that wonderful little restaurant in a tiny little street, my partner and me had the most romantic dinner ever! Unfortunately I had forgotten to write down the restaurant name, or the name of the street, but I am sure that Ortigia is full of such places! In any case don’t miss this Sicilian romantic experience, especially if you are in love!
And if you have the chance to have a car or the possibility to take a bus, go and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Noto, about 30 kilometres southwest of Syracuse. If you like architecture, you won’t be disappointed! After visiting Noto I also recommend a visit to the fishing village of Marzamemi, one of Sicily’s prettiest seaside villages. I guarantee a very relaxing time there, especially after visiting the bustling and vibrant Noto!
See more of Miki’s work on her site.
Have you been to Syracuse? Would you like to go? Join the conversation in the comments below!
Finally… Musement, a site offering museum tickets, art tours, and cultural activities has kindly let Wanderarti readers get €5 off purchases up until the 31st July. Just use the code WANDERARTI and you can get discounted offers all over Europe!
