Chapter 8: Lifeline, A Water Storytelling Project

The origins of Red Regatta and my deep personal relationship with Venice and its waterways began in 1991....

Happy Anniversary Red Regatta! Five years ago, on May 11, 2019, Red Regatta sailed for the first time in the blue green waters of the Venetian Lagoon. Coinciding with first public day of the Venice Biennale that year, 52 traditional vela al terzo sailboats glided together under a cloudy sky, against all odds, engaging over 250 Venetian collaborators. I continue to be filled with gratitude and awe, celebrating what we can do together in the spirit of creativity and community collaboration with love and reciprocity. Red Regatta was presented in collaboration with AVT Associazione Vela al Terzo Venezia. Together, we were guided by shared values and passions, joining forces to celebrate local sustainable maritime culture while calling attention to the impacts of climate change, a shrinking Venetian population due to mass tourism and ever increasing motor boat traffic, all threatening the balance between the city of Venice and the sea. Red Regatta was co-organized by Magazzino Italian Art Foundation, curated by Chiara Spangaro and Marcella Ferrari was the project manager with support from Mazzoleni.

I just returned from Venice and I was deeply moved by the ways in which Red Regatta’s energy continues to radiate, to be widely celebrated and appreciated, with ongoing positive impacts beyond my hopes and dreams.

Photo by Matteo De Fina

This anniversary has inspired reflection about my long personal history with this city of water. I arrived in Venice the first time in 1991. I distinctly remember that when I stepped out of the train station, I was met with a rush to the senses–the glinting sunlight sparkling on the green-blue water of the Grand Canal, wafts of the slightly salty scent of the Lagoon, the sounds of the water sloshing against the city's marble edges, mixed with a rolling banter of Venetian dialect and someone whistling… the distinctive Venetian vibrancy experienced through its elements, especially water, has resonated in me ever since.

I lived in Venice from 1991-93, arriving alone just days after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design. I spoke little Italian but that quickly changed. As Venetian friendships grew, so did my vocabulary, sprinkled with words and expressions in Venetian dialect, always instilled with an innate sense of humor and buoyancy. Water’s presence connects everything to everything. I came into myself in Venice. Away from everything and everyone I knew, I explored who I was in the wider world.

Many years later, my husband and I got married in Malamocco on the Venetian Island of Lido in 2003 and we have returned with our children a number of times. In my lifetime, I have experienced the dramatic changes in Venice firsthand, and heard my Venetian friends express profound concern about the transformation of their city. This has led me to create projects that address these issues and my personal experience.

Now I live in Beacon, New York near the shores of the Hudson River and I return to Venice as frequently as possible to connect with my community of local friends and collaborators, to work on new projects and because I love this city of water.

Coming and going between New York and Venice for more than 30 years has given me a distinct perspective. Time feels circular and the changes in both places feel dramatic as I arrive with fresh eyes and ears each time.

Me in the 90’s in Venice (wearing red ;) . Photo by Jodi Levine.

Last week, rowing in Venice (still wearing red).

I continue to engage with the waterways that have influenced my life. And new projects are coming soon! Stay tuned and please feel free to share this newsletter with others!