Biennale Internazionale dell'Arte Contempranea, Fortezza da Basso, Italy, attended by Sarah Larsen, multi-media artist and teacher, of Thangool, central Queensland, Australia.

Biennale Internazionale dell'Arte Contemporanea, Fortezza da Basso, Florence, Italy,
6-14 December, 2003.

Exhibiting Artist Sarah Larsen writes of her experience at the Florence Biennale:

“Attending the Florence Biennale has been an amazing experience for me. Greg & I arrived in Florence on a cold December morning and set about locating the Fortezza da Basso where the Biennale was to be held. That was easy enough –one just followed the steady stream of Artists and their long suffering helpers and tagged along.

We arrived, registered and found our position and then went in search of the art works that were supposed to have been already installed in their place by the shipping and handling people. This had not been done and there was considerable chaos and confusion as Artists tried frantically to locate their works and get them hung in time for the opening. This was compounded by the language barriers. The Arte Studio people were very helpful but I feel understaffed for the mammoth task set.

As always though with Artists they found a way through this and improvised, started talking with each other and helping one another out. This spirit of friendship and co operation between the Artists continued throughout the Biennale and it really portrayed the essence of what these world events are all about – Communication between Nations to help foster peace.

As an Artist it was wonderful to have the opportunity to showcase my work alongside that of my peers. I was very happy with the response and feedback that I had about my work. The Biennale is like a huge Art Expo and the emphasis was on networking, promotion, building friendship and sharing knowledge. Dr John Spike did a tireless job talking with many of the Artists about their works and was always on hand with positive feedback from his vast wealth of knowledge in the Art field. A special thanks must go to him.

My time in Italy at the Biennale is one I shall always treasure and I would recommend it to other Artists who may be invited. I have learnt a lot from this experience and would do things a little differently next time. I like to thank RADF for their support of my attending. I am more than happy to speak with any artists who may be thinking of going to future Biennales and helping wherever I can."

Sarah Larsen

	Entrance to Fortezza de Basso where the Bienalle was held. (click image to see a closer view)
Sarah in the front foyer of the Bienalle. (click image to see a closer view)
	Entrance Foyer. (click image to see a closer view)
A view at the Biennale. (click image to see a closer view)
	Another view inside. (click image to see a closer view)
Wheat Whispers (click image to see a closer view) 600 x 800 Mixed media with acrylic, hand made Nepalese paper, & gem stones on boxed Canvas. Inspired by the movement of wheat growing on our property here.
	The Wanderers (click image to see a closer view) 900 x 1080 Acrylic and gold leaf on boxed canvas Inspiration - Life's journey and the land.
Elemental Facets (click image to see a closer view) Mixed media with plaster casts, acrylic and gem stones on boxed canvas Inspiration -The rugged landscape of central Australia
Sarah congratulated by Dr John Spike, international art critic and author. (click image to see a closer view)
	Dr John Spike and Sarah, discussing one of her exhibited works. (click image to see a closer view)
Sarah met Martin Abspoel, bronze sculptor, from the Netherlands. See his web site here. (click image to see a closer view)
	Part of the official speeches. (click image to see a closer view)
Ferraris at the Biennale! (click image to see a closer view)
	Sarah with her husband, Greg, at the Biennale. (click image to see a closer view)