My inspiration for this collection comes directly from my ABSOLUTE love for Venice and all things Italian. On arrival in Venice for the first time, I was so struck by the beauty of this city built out of mud and Larch poles that I broke down and cried. The colours seem more vivid than anywhere else, the light softer than anywhere else. I have been back several times and I always feel the same way...the architecture, museums, palazzos, the little canal side trattorias and coffee bars, all set within a lagoon, are so inviting. There is a certain decadent air about the place; all the more interesting when one learns the history of Venice. Art is everywhere and Venetians know this and are justly proud of their heritage.

This collection is a tribute to Venice and its people. I began learning the Italian language after my first visit and continue to do so. I often think in Italian, or try to, just to keep up the learning process.

My images come from photographic souvenirs, books in my collection, little sketches I made in the past, plus paper ephemera carefully brought back home after each visit. The songs and poem that I have included are writings that I have known for a long time and felt would compliment the images.

The female images, in costume, are a symbol of Carnivale time (held each year in February) which is probably the most magical time in Venice. It is during this time of year when all walks of life intermingle happily, to celebrate their most beautiful city, La Serenissima. They call it the Golden City, and so it is. It GLOWS!! It is a time when there is so much colour and richness that it becomes breath-taking.