Stairs, St. Peter’s Basilica

This picture is one of those literal pictures that doesn’t require too much story, too much explanation. Italy has any number of long, steep stairways that wind and curve their way up into the domes of various basilicas or towers. There was something special about this one, though, at the church of all churches, St. Peter’s Basilica.

The sunlight flooded in from above, gleaming off the rather pedestrian tiles (compared to the mosaics inside) and gave this photograph an other-worldly glow.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Italy, My Art, Rome by Courtney

When In Rome

I had originally called this image Tchotchke View of St. Peter’s, but I think I should change the title to When In Rome. This tongue-in-cheek phrase (pun intended) seems to fit the mood of the photo a little better.

A lot of my feelings around this photo are captured in a previous post, “Holy Tchotchke!”. It’s funny how foreign yet how similar a place can be all at once. (more…)

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Italy, My Art, Rome, Silliness by Courtney

Door, Vatican City

This seems to be a favorite photo of many who admire my work. Vatican City is such a small space, nestled within Rome. Most pictures you see are of the Pope, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s, and all of the other reasons you actually go visit this walled city-state.

We entered through the metal detectors and marveled at the sheer size of St. Peter’s Square. After viewing some of the church below, marveling at its size as well, we began our ascent to get a better look at the dome. After getting to the top of the first set of stairs, we were at the base of the dome, and had a beautiful view of the city.

As I wondered around, I stumbled upon this door. Peachy, creamy colors, and a weather worn door. The only thing that made this picture more perfect is that warm glow that seems to permeate all of Rome. Click! I had captured that instance. I enjoyed viewing a lot of beautiful art that day, but this simple, rustic door was one of the more beautiful moments I captured.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Italy, My Art by Courtney