How did the experience affect you as an individual?
The experience was wonderful and came to me at an ideal time. I had just completed my master’s degree and it gave me a real confidence boost; both practically as an artist and as a new graduate, to leave education and be able to immediately continue to create art.
Beyond that, the experience of Florence itself was incredible. I had always dreamed of going. The opportunity to stay for six weeks, seeing ancient masters work every day was tremendously inspiring. I was taken over by the magnitude of art, technique, history, colours, textures as well as the vibrancy of the city life. It also gave me invaluable time to reflect after seven years of studying in Scotland, which really helped me evaluate the best way to move forward in my personal and professional life. During this time, I sought out new opportunities which took me to two more artist residencies; one in Barcelona and one in New Delhi India later that year. I then moved to Delhi shortly after, and ten months later I was drawn back to Europe, largely because of the experience in Florence... I missed European life and chose to move either to Florence or Lisbon Portugal (where I now live). However, Florence remains one of my most favourite places to visit and I look forward to returning to once again be inspired and enriched by the city and art.
Samantha Wilson, Crossing boarders (detail), 2019, ink, charcoal & powder pigment on paper, 110 x 210 cm
