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Ruth Middleton
Variazione
Giapponese
All’America al Giappone attraverso la magia di Apricale
The recent exhibition in the Castello di Apricale was a
testimonial to the enduring strength of friendship –
friendship
that occurred in Apricale across boundaries of nationality,
language, age, and distance. Three women were involved: Italian,
Japanese and American, brought together by the magic of
television!
In 1997, Ruth Middleton, an American artist living in France,
came to Apricale after seeing a television program called, "Domenica
del Villaggio."
Like many foreigners, and also Italians from other parts of
Italy, she fell in love with the scenic beauty and
warm, friendly atmosphere. After repeated visits, she purchased
a home on the Via Martiri and set up a studio. One day, in the
piazza, she was approached by a smiling woman who introduced
herself as Maria Giovanna Cassini, and spoke of her American
son, who lived in Indianapolis.
"What a coincidence! I was born not far from there," exclaimed
Ruth.
It was the beginning of a friendship that included daily
conversation in the piazza over coffee or accompanied by
delectable aromas in Maria Giovanna's kitchen.
Then came the Japanese television crew! They spent many days
examining in detail all aspects of life in Apricale, and not
surprisingly, the scenario featured Maria Giovanna. A few months
later, in Tokyo, Satoko Kimura watched the program, wrote to
Maria Giovanna, and in turn was inspired to make the
"pilgrimage" to Apricale.
Ruth, a painter by profession, had used Japanese papers for many
years in her paintings and collages. Satoko began to send her
unique examples that proved a great inspiration in the works she
created in the Via Martiri studio.
The sudden and untimely death of Maria Giovanna brought the
other two even closer, united in their intense grief over the
loss of a beloved friend. The exhibition was a testimonial to
this triangular friendship. The works include the papers,
letters, and even newspaper wrapping as well as magnificent,
rare samples of hand-woven silk from Kyoto used in the
fabrication of the obis worn by Japanese women on ceremonial
occasions.
Involving over a year's work, the results are dedicated to the
memory of Maria Giovanna Cassini, with deep thanks and
appreciation to Satoko Kimura.
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