Chapter 2: Lifeline, A Water Storytelling Project
A visit to the Archivio di Stato di Torino (The State Archives of Turin) in Italy
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Today I am following up on my previous post introducing my new project, Lifeline.
After my visit to the Po River’s source in the Cottian Alps, I headed to the State Archives of Turin to see early maps of the Po River. Director, Stefano Benedetto and his colleagues guided us on an enthralling journey.
We followed the river through time.
As archives, libraries and collections themselves define themselves as much by what they include as well as what they leave out, I’m reflecting on what is recorded in these maps, what is expressed in the lines marking territories, calculations, names applied, how nature and water is represented. What perspectives are represented? What is missing?
Since this memorable visit, these questions and many others have been winding their way into my new body of work created with materials from this archive and others. I look forward to sharing them very soon.
Sincere thanks to Stefano Benedetto/Director of the State Archive of Turin and his colleagues, and to Alberto Fiore and Carlotta Margarone/Mazzoleni Gallery, my project manager Marcella Ferrari, and my son, Henry Quinn for coming along for the ride with such interest and appreciation.
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so moved by the damage marks of the river, which illustrate that nature itself is altered by the process of living. what I love about your work is the movement of both weathering and emotion that is embedded in all you see, and create.
These are such beautiful maps and I love the story you are telling or continuing ot tell from our ancestors. I think about how much care went into the making of those maps and what an honor it is to see them. I feel so much gratitude for the map makers and for you picking up their story and expanding it, deepening it. xe