Although, nowadays with all that AI stuff and sophisticated photo editing software you can never know ...
Well, you will have to decide for yourself if you believe that MY ART IS EXHIBITED IN A CAFE!
And you should, because it's true :)
I've already blogged about the three paintings that are now living in a cafe in Saranda, Albania (process pictures and thoughts and stuff). Here are the links to the posts:
Monsters, Ghosts and other People - acrylic on wood
Raki & Friends - acrylic on canvas
The Zen Master Cat - acrylic on canvas
While living in Saranda I got back into physical painting. I had made only digital art for years, because making analog art is not as convenient while living in a van (not much space to store canvases, too much chaos, sand in the paint when working outside).
But we had rented an apartment for two months, because we needed a break from vanlife (also it's winter and we don't have a heater in the car), so I took the opportunity and bought some canvases and paint.
I didn't think about the fact that we would move back into the van eventually and that there would still not be enough space to store the paintings ^^
Luckily we got to know some lovely people who own a nice little cafe/bar not far from where we lived.
Besides coffee, beer and raki they sell all kinds of handmade local products there, like honey, oil, jam, soap, liquor ... and ART!
When I told them that I make art myself they offered me to bring an artwork to put it on the wall.
That was maybe the most exciting moment for me last year ^^
I've never had my art hanging in a place where people could actually see it. The analog art I have made (before I moved into a van) was mostly for the walls in my own apartment or for friends and family (I didn't pursue a career in art back then, still thought I needed a "real" job ^^).
My digital art does exist in public, but only on the internet, which is a whole different feeling.
As you can see the people agreed to take care of all three artworks I've made during my time in Saranda!
I'm so happy about that! As much as I like having my artworks around, I didn't dare take them with me in the van though (it's tiny and all that my man and I own is in there, so it's a constant fight with chaos ^^). Now I don't have to worry about them :)
Don't they look really pretty there on the walls with all the other lovely artworks? <3
Soon I'll be back there in Saranda and probably put some nice frames around the canvases :)
The cafe is called "Vënçë" and it's a great place to hang out! It's owned by two Americans and two Albanians, so it's quite a meeting point of cultures. The expats of Saranda (mostly Americans) are regular guests there, as well as local people, which makes the place really special (also they make great hot chocolate!).
I actually couldn't find it on Google Maps (it's still quite new), but it's located in Rruga Mitat Hoxha (the street name) in Saranda, Southern Albania. If you're in the area and would like to visit the place (I recommend!) or purchase one of the artworks please contact me for more info!
Should you be seriously interested, but can't come to Albania, I could arrange shipping as soon as I'm back there (I do accept payment in crypto ;) ).
Alright, thanks a lot for reading and being part of this exciting journey!
<3<3<3
all images are mine
