Notes from a Traveller

This painting, titled The Tourist, was created by Jack Vettriano and portrays me as a moody, high-heeled tourist clad in a Chanel suit. It’s amusing, especially as I am currently engaged in projects and a new exhibition focused on the theme of travel and the distinction between tourists and travellers. I’ve come to see this Chanel-wearing ‘tourist’ as a humorous reflection of my journey as an artist, storyteller, and traveller. The story behind this painting is equally delightful, and since my work revolves around storytelling, I would love to share it. I believe that understanding the narratives behind artworks adds depth and enjoyment to the experience.

The Tourist, oil on canvas, Jack Vettriano O.B.E

The story unfolds like this: during our brainstorming sessions for new paintings, Jack and I often ventured out to shop for outfits and shoes that he would later incorporate into his artwork. As a visual artist, Jack draws inspiration from the beauty that surrounds him and shopping for beautiful things was his favourite thing to do. After our photoshoots, I was often fortunate enough to keep the beautiful clothes and shoes that were acquired during those shopping trips, a privilege that I cherished, as I share Jack’s appreciation for beautiful things.

Around that time, Jack expressed his desire to paint me in a Chanel suit. I imagined how lovely it would be to own one and dreamt of our future shopping trip to Chanel in search of the perfect fit. A few months later, he announced, “I have a surprise for you… remember the Chanel suit?” I can only imagine my eyes sparkling with anticipation at the thought of receiving it. He smiled at my reaction and presented me with this painting. In his own unique way, he did gift me a Chanel suit—one that is truly beautiful, forever immortalized on canvas, one I would never outgrow.

Art has been a constant presence in my life, intricately woven into my personal narrative. In my discussions about the Grand Tour of Italy and the lessons we can glean from its history, I’ve come to realize that I have always been a traveller as well. To me, the act of travelling is inherently creative—a journey of discovery and learning, not only about the world but also about ourselves. Interestingly, as I write this, I find myself in the house where the famed explorer and navigator Amerigo Vespucci is said to have been born.

The house sits in a charming little castle town atop a hill in Tuscany, surrounded by olive groves and rolling vineyards that seem unchanged for centuries. The view from the south-facing windows is idyllic, as if an old world has been captured in time—a vision of Tuscany that we might have believed existed only in stories, yet here it is, real and tangible.

In the village, elderly residents—many of whom have lived here their entire lives—stroll along with boxes of seasonal produce they've grown, cradling freshly laid eggs. As evening descends, they retreat into their warm homes, offering a sense of comfort and safety along the quaint, winding stone paths. An artist works in the studio below, skillfully carving wood with Japanese tools, while we walk our dogs to the gentle chime of bells ringing every hour and half hour. Here, time is measured by sound and the stars, and I find myself wondering how long this will last. The world is changing, and I ponder whether these moments are among the last seasons of such innocence. Though I will be here only a short time, I know this experience will remain with me, forming the foundation of the work I create as I reflect on the questions that arise during these projects. I will capture and absorb this place in every way I can, deepening my experience of Tuscany every day. This is why I came here, I remind myself every morning as I walk little Pape around the castle walls and into the fields

I feel privileged to be here, reflecting on these themes from this historic house, where the stars that shine so clearly at night were once Vespucci’s, guiding him across the ocean into the unknown. I imagine his level of travel, which was not a leisure pursuit but a perilous exploration of existence. The journey of losing sight of one shore to discover another cannot be compared to the way we travel today. We can only imagine the thrill of new shores coming into view after weeks of gazing at nothing but ocean on the horizon, the unknown drawing ever closer.

Last night, in the absolute stillness, I looked up at the stars—just as I did as a child in Scotland, dreaming of adventures—and was reminded of the many journeys that have led me to this moment. These travels have profoundly changed me, transforming this dreaming tourist into a true traveller. Along the way, I have often lost sight of the shores, uncovering countless discoveries—endless stories, friendships, and unexpected encounters. Not to mention the journeys that are travelled within. So much to write about.....so, Notes from a Traveller it is.