Israele, l' Eremita di Capo Gallo/The hermit of Capo Gallo


the semaphore in Capo Gallo

Facing the Mediterranean, Capo Gallo is a natural area, since 2001 a natural reserve, north of Palermo, on the Italian island Sicily. Because of the proximity of the sea, the area has marine facilities, such as a lighthouse and an elevated building as in above picture, that once was a military lookout and semaphore. 

Life and works

More than a decade ago this building became the home of a hermit who is known as Israele, the name he has adopted.  

this picture and the next two: 
screenprints from the video (2008) by Guiseppe Tucci

Not much is known about his life. He was born in the early fifties of the former century, had a job as a mason, worked in Palermo and was a deeply religious man.

He has told a reporter who visited him, that in 1985 he had a dream that changed his life, convinced as he became by that dream that he had to be a prophet with the mission to save people's souls. 

After that dream he continued his job, adressing his colleagues with religious insights, and then, in 1997 he left wife and children, to restart his life as a hermit, first going to live in a cave in the seaside rocks in the Capo Gallo natural area, later squatting the no longer used and abandoned semaphore building in the same area.

Isaele in the course of the years has decorated this building in such a way, that it has become kind of a sanctuary.


The road uphill to this sanctuary has been signposted by Israele with small decorations, painted or made from pebbles, and mostly depicting a heart, suggesting this path is a Via Santa. 


The interior of the building is lavishly decorated. The walls have been geometrically divided into compartments, each of which is decorated with a large item, such as a portrait or a mosaic representation, surrounded by smaller items like stars, crosses or other signs.   

pictures of the interior: screenshots from 
the video by Ester Affronti (sept 2012)

To make his decorations Israele uses small pebbles, he collects on the beaches. He makes great use of the hexagram and other religious symbols.


It is noteworthy that there are no religious texts and inscriptions on the walls, except one above a clock reading ALLELUIAMEN. The appearance of the interior is rather quite, orderly and understated, which constitues a major difference with environments in the USA that include religious expressions, or one of the few european sites with such expressions. 

Outside, however, there is an inscripted text about the End of Times, the return of Gods kingdom, which will be accompanied by great destructions. (The full text is in OEE texts


Israele is a shy person. A visitor, who met him in 2010, has described him as a good looking man with dark, greying hair and a bushy greying beard, adding:  "He's articulate, and enthusiastic when talking about God" (Kate Ludlov's blog, 2010, see documentation).. 

Israele, however, is not eager at all to meet visitors, rather avoids them and he doesn't appear in the video's below. One may wonder if he agreed that the videos were recorded.


Documentation
* Article in LiveSicilia, august 20, 2010 (in Italian)
* Article by Gabriele Lombardo in Seven Radio, december 18, 2012, also on his blog Sveglaiti, April gli Occhi (febr 2013) (in Italian)
* Article by Eva di Stefano in Raw Vision, nr 78 (spring 2013)
* Video by Guiseppe Tucci (Youtube, 3'13", uploaded 2008)


* Video by Esther Affronti (Youtube, 10'48", uploaded sept 2012)


Israele
l'Eremita di Capo Gallo
Palermo, Sicily, IT
not open to the public

Practice what you preach...

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Every mentor lives to hear these words.
"Pick your Pro" is a quote I live by when it comes to learning anything about anything. Whether in life or in business, I'm not a person who seeks guidance from consultants or gurus. (Just not my style.) I put much value into mentors and pros in their specific fields of expertise to learn from directly. So when asked to commit to three BlogTalkRadio shows, Live with Viteri Style, I thought best to practice what I preach and learn from a pro. Who knows what it could lead to once the show ends. So who do you think was my mentor?
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"How you doin'?"
Who did you expect, Martha Stewart? To know me is to know I say it like mean it. I've watched and listened to all the design shows out there and I could not relate to many of them. When it comes to Wendy Williams and her style of show, I gravitate to this women. She is real, blunt, honest giving and driven. Her success in radio lead her to four tremendously successful years on TV with two more years in contract. That is a mentor!

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The incomparable Wendy Williams
Now I don't know if the design community is ready for someone with this much personality, but I'm putting all my chips on the table. I can't compare myself to this fabulous lady, but I will say this, you don't get called out on TV twice by Wendy if there wasn't a connection and boy did we connect! There's video of this validation actually, but thought best to share it on my social media pages. 

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Wendy Admirer (Me) and The fabulous Wendy Williams
 I was honored to meet her in our glam office at her TV studio last week. She rewards you uncontentiously. Having a one to one conversation with her is exactly like it is on the show. It's authentic communication with similar interests and humor. I did not have to blatantly ask how do you host a great show, it was just obvious after speaking with her. You have to be you and connect with an audience that gets you.Whether it be on radio or television.
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It's Live! CLICK  HERE TONIGHT!
So as I strive for my dream to connect with interior designers on my own authentic level, I plan to put on a great show for you tonight. (Tonight is the 3rd show- wow that was fast!) I am looking forward to connecting with interior design enthusiasts that are interested in something a little different. So tune in this evening for a 30 minute live show and feel free to call in. That will just make you my special guest. If you missed any of the shows, no worries, it's recorded. The link will be shared on all my social media pages

THANK YOU WENDY! 
Wendy, I wanted to personally thank you for making me feel comfortable in my own skin. The very first quote above this blog is about you. "Because of you I didn't give up."

XOXO
Barbara V. 

Note: We would love to connect with you at our social media tables. Your invited to 'like', 'follow' and 'pin' with us and don't forget to subscribe!

DC Circuit Dismisses API Challenge To Transparency Rules

Agreeing with the argument presented by our client Oxfam America, Inc., the D.C. Circuit today dismissed the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Petition for Review challenging a key provision of Dodd-Frank that requires publicly traded oil and gas companies to disclose their payments to governments.  API argued the regulation was overly burdensome and violated the companies’ First Amendment rights, but the Court agreed with us that it lacks jurisdiction to hear the case, which must be presented first in the district court.  Today’s opinion is here.

Orca Whale Named Lolita Closer To Being Protected Under The Endangered Species Act

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) yesterday issued a "positive 90-day finding" on a petition to include the orca named Lolita among the wild southern resident killer whales who are listed as "endangered" and from which Lolita was captured in the early 1970s and put on exhibition in Miami Florida.  We represent the Animal Legal Defense Fund, PETA, the Orca Network, and several individuals in pressing to have Lolita protected under the ESA.  Since her capture, Lolita has been living in a tank of water at the Miami Seaquarium which falls below the minimum standards for cetaceans of her size, and where she is denied shelter from the sun and companions of her own species.  NMFS has concluded that the listing petition presents "substantial scientific or commercial information indicating" that including Lolita as endangered is "warranted."  The agency will now have nine months -- after notice and comment from the public -- to decide whether Lolita should be listed.  For a copy of the agency's decision click here

Pietro Moschini, Casa-Museo with sculptures and sculpted walls


pictures courtesy of Guido Votano 

"Tuscania è un paese di artisti" (Tuscania is a city of artists), as the website of the city says, referring to is history as a center of art from Etruscan times up to the present day. 

Announcing the opening in may (2013) of a new museum, the Casa-Museo Pietro Moschini, the city's website offers its readers a brief overview of arte irregolare, referring to Bonaria Manca, inhabitant of the city, and Pietro Moschini, who all his life has lived there. 

Life and works

Born in Tuscania, Pietro Moschini (1923-2011), after having had some elementary schooling, went to work as a shepherd and a farmhand. 

Following an artistic impulse, in 1952 he made his first sculpture. During the rest of his life, he has been active in sculpting, which has resulted in hundreds of works, collected partly in his house in Tuscania, partly in a summerhouse out of town. 



He would work in wood and stone, not only making isolated works, but also creating ensembles sculpted in high-relief on walls, in this way transforming his house into an art environment. 

During most of his life, Moschini's work has gone unnoticed. 




However, it so happened that around 2011 Pavel Konecny, a collector of outsider art living in the Czech Republic, came along pictures on the internet of Moschini's creations, made by tourists who rather coincidentally had met the artist and had published photo's of the sculptures on Flickr. 

Through through Konecny came into contact with Mario Ciccioli, an artist living in Tuscania, who informed him that Moschini very recently was deceased. Konecny travelled to Italy and together with Ciccioli talked with Moschini's daughter, Rosaria Falasca-Moschini, who was the inheritor and wanted to have the collection saved for the future as much as possible. 

This resulted in a plan to transform Moschini's house in Tuscania into a small museum, a plan that with the support of various parties involved, has been be realised indeed. 



The opening of the Casa-Museo Pietro Moschini on May 11, 2013 has been embedded in a small festival around arte irregolare, withvarious activities, including an exposition of paintings from Bonaria Manca's house.

Documentation/more pictures 
* photo-book A Man of Many Faces (with an introduction to Mochini's life and work) by Pavel Konecny (see my post of may 30, 2013)
* weblog Babeleviterbo with a post about Moschini
* website Cafe Boheme with an interview with Pavel Konecny
* article in SPACES website

Casa-Museo Pietro Moschini  
Tuscania (Viterbo), IT
via della Scrofa
opening hours not yet available

Movie Night for Interior Designers...

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Let's make it a movie night!
I know Interior Designers can be inspired by movies, but can you remember the last film or TV show that inspired you recently? How about a film that sparked a new trend in interior design? Time to make it a movie night to find out what's going to take over in design trends.

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Remember what this film did for interior design?
 Back in 2003 one film not only sparked the clean and sophisticated look of white, but created a staple color in our modern day kitchen cabinetry. The movie, "Something's Gotta Give", broke the barrier of trend and set the standard of classic. Almost a decade later, white interiors are continuously being introduce and have no indication of going out of style.
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Something's Gotta Give caption shot of modern country living in the Hamptons.
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White cabinetry and concrete counters are still in vogue in the North East.

So what films/TV shows will ignite the next signature look of interiors? I'm getting giddy over a few conversations I'm having with my design clients and interior designer friends. The word on the street is glam! Yes honey, a dab of sparkle here, a pinch of glitz there and we are spinkleing a bit of glam into our interiors.  

Just the right amount of livable glam. Dining room design via Interior Designer, Libby Langdon.
 Let's plan a movie night in the comfort of our home. Grab the popcorn, maybe a chenille throw blanket and call your glam squad. The new HBO film: Behind the Candelabra, staring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon will definitely set the tone for over the top glam design. From mirrored pianos to 14K gold faucets, there will certainly be enough inspiration to incorporate into your new projects.

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Behind the Candelabra photo shoot for Vanity Fair.

Now a night out maybe a great time to dress up a little and embrace old Hollywood glam. This year's remake of The Great Gatsby is a given. Staring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carry Mulligan and Joel Edgerton. The original 1974 flick is still a classic in interior design, but the new film with it's unconventional style and cinemaphotography will surely inspire an affluentential appeal.

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2013 set design from The Great Gatsby film.

Mark your calendars for Nicole Kidman's potrayal of fashion icon, actress and royal, Grace Kelly in 'Grace of Monaco'. Expected to hit theaters in December 2013, it will be eye candy to interior designers wanting to taste a bit of regal design.

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Film caption of Nicole Kidman in Grace of Monaco.
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Regal interiors of a princess in waiting.
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Nicole Kidman uncanny resemblance of the late Princess, Grace Kelly.
Enjoy your night at the movies or movie night at home. Inspiration doesn't always have to come from travel. The art of film is a viable resource for interior design inspiration. I truly believe glam will now be a feature in our modern day interiors of living. Clients that may see the films listed above just may expect it from you. Here's to movie night!

Share with us your list of films that have inspired your interiors. It might be time to make movie night sooner than later. 

XOXO
Barbara V.

Note: We would love to connect with you at our social media tables. Your invited to 'like', 'follow' and 'pin' with us and don't forget to subscribe! 

New weblog about art environments and irregular art in Tuscia, Italy



Begun in august 2010 with a new website, followed in november 2011 by a book and also manifesting itself by various expositions, the Italian Costruttori di Babele research project is proceding steadily.

In april 2013 a new weblog, BabeleViterbo, dealing with arte irregolare e percorsi babelici nella Tuscia (irregular art and babylonian pathways in Tuscia), authored by Mario Ciciolli and Gabriele Mina,  has been released.

With the Casa Museo Pietro Moschini as a center point, the blog will report about irregular art and art environments in Tuscia..

On May 11, 2013 this museum has been officially inaugurated and that weekend there have been a number of other events as well, as shown in the following poster. (Pictures of the festivities in Picasa webalbums)


The new weblog already has introductions to Bonaria Manca, Santa Bassaneli, Domenico Brizi, Vinzenzo Lucchesi and, of course, Pietro Moschini.

Designing a Glamorous Life Event...

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I always preach about "Picking your Pro" and going directly to the source to get educated. I know many designers, including my clients find it difficult to make time to do so. If there is a topic that intrigues you, block time for it and make it happen. That's just what I did when I attended last week's glam event hosted by Niedermaier and presented by keynote speakers, Interior Designer, Ally Coulter and Holiday House Founder, Iris Dankner.

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Glam Interior Designer, Ally Coulter, me, wearing my pink trench in support of Holiday House and Holiday House Founder, Iris Dankner
 I love glam and to many it can mean different things. I personally feel hiring an interior designer starts the process of living a glamorous life. The designer is the point person to introducing an new lifestyle in general, but how fab to gain a client that wants a little glamor in their life. Where do you get your inspiration?

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Packed house at Neidermaier for Designing a Glamorous Life event.
Ally epitomizes glam. If you look at her most recent work just for Holiday House alone, you know you are getting a front row seat to old Hollywood. Her love for old Hollywood movies sparked her passion for glam interiors. She mentioned her approach to a project starts with the movie playing in her mind. She can walk into any room and create scenes, just like in a movie. She visualizes what people are doing in the room, what they are wearing, how they are interacting and designs around that story.

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Ally Coutler Design for 2011 Holiday House
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Ally Coulter Design for 2012 Holiday House
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Badgley Mischka Gown, worn by Ally Coutler
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Couture Gown, by Badgley Mischka




















Designing a glamorous life is not just for the affluent. Iris shared a great example of how everyone can live a glamorous lifestyle. Since this blog is written specifically for interior designers and design enthusiasts, I'm sure you are all familiar with the high/low project or getting the look for less. Iris mentioned adding small touches like a sparkly glass chandelier to what would have been a beautiful space can now become glamorous. This is attainable at any price.

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Kitchen designed by Iris Dankner. Her glam choice are the chandeliers to add that little sparkle.
I can not express how important it is to attend events such as these when it comes to gaining knowledge to the world of interior design we are now living in. It's ever changing. Even if glam is not your preference, it is vital you make the effort to pick your pro in areas you want a new perspective on. In this case glam was mine and I was not alone. I was thrilled to take clients with me to this event who shared in the same interests. Remember these events are also a fabulous place to connect!

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Ally Coulter & Rio Hamilton of Niedermaier
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Glam Lifestyle Leader, James Andrew


















Start marking your calendars for the next event that is not to be missed. You must attend this year's Holiday House and HC&G (Hamptons Cottages & Gardens) event taking place on June 23rd through July 21st. The list is out on the design industry's 22 designers. Here is the full list:

Ally Coulter Designs
Deb Landis Design
Decor by Guillaume Gentet
Design House
Donna Livingston Design
Duneier Design
Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors
Fawn Galli Interior Design
Huniford Design Studio
Inson Dubois Wood
James Michael Howard
Libby Interiors
Lynne Scalo Design
Mabley Handler Interior Design
Marshall Watson Interiors
Richard Mishaan Design
Steven Dubner Landscaping
Susan Glick Interiors
The Design Studio
Thom Filicia
Timothy Brown Studio
Tracy Anderson Method

The Opening Night Gala takes place on Saturday, June 22nd. I hope to see you there in your Hamptons best. Remember all proceeds from the event will go to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For ticket information please visit: www.holidayhousedesignshow.com 

Let us know if you are attending by sharing your comments here. We look forward to seeing you.

XOXO
Barbara V.

Note: We would love to connect with you at our social media tables. Your invited to 'like', 'follow' and 'pin' with us and don't forget to subscribe! 

Designers, work hard but play harder...

Viteri Style Management

Now I know my readers (Interior Designers & Interior Design Enthusiasts) are wondering, what is the connection? Well this should be simple, if you are working hard you should also play harder. The balancing act of work, family, friends and personal time is getting very difficult to juggle. Personally I just can't turn work off. I know for interior designers it's the same, but you will become useless at what you do if you do not block time for you.

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Vibez Studio crew ready to ride the party limo to Lil Jon & Gina Grant's Zumba extravaganza!
Now maybe a sold out Zumba club event featuring the hottest Zumba Dancer, Gina Grant and record producer, entrepreneur, and international DJ, Lil Jon may not be your cup of tea, but it happens to be my can of soda. The point is, it can't be all about work. There has to be time for play. It's very easy to lose sight on this.

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It's about to go down!
I would love to see more posts on designers letting their hair loose. There is a silly stigma that you should not show pictures of yourself at parties with a glass of whatever in your hand. Tell that to Martyn Lawrence Bullard who does it tastefully well. There are so many other fabulous designers sharing insight to what makes them happy with their clients and voyeurs.

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Dance responsibly.
Now we know there are limitations. No need to share shots of well you taking shots! So showcase your passion for fun, other than the wonderful work you do. I love zumba and I definitely love me some Lil Jon.

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Feeling notice in a crowd! I see you Lil Jon looking at me.
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Celebrity Zumba Instuctor, Gina Grant and Lil Jon at the turntables, shutting it down!
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Shots!
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Dance off with Gina and my boy, Zumba Instructor, Fernando Zambrano Jr
AKA Nando Boogie Zee
I want to thank all the Vibez peeps for an incredible night. May, Nando, Seva, Charlene, Billy, Kerry, Chrissy, Trish and Jennifer. You know that Limo is going in to be detailed!

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Sweaty me with "All Star" man himself, LIL JON!!!
Now I have to personally thank Tamar Juda for making this photo and driving my point home on this blog possible. Tamar is a fierce player in the PR world. When she says "I got you", she gets you and I can not thank her enough for getting me.


Lastly, I must personally thank Lil Jon for playing my favorite song and taking a moment after the show backstage to chat with me. When asked how he was doing, he said, "I'm doing great. Better question is how you doing after a workout like that?" The rest of our conversation I'll leave as my lasting memory. Don't let the exterior package fool you. I am keeping my fingers crossed he takes the win on Celebrity Apprentice All Stars. After meeting his family, I know he is well grounded and an entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with. (His aunt is as sweet as pie.)

Designers, work hard and make time to play harder. Share not only your passion for design, but for fun as well. I'll be watching, so share with us!

XOXO
Barbara V.

Note: We would love to connect with you at our social media tables. Your invited to 'like', 'follow' and 'pin' with us and don't forget to subscribe! 
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