“Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” –Pablo Picasso

When I interviewed photographer Charles Christopher near his home in California, I asked him what it is about Italy that makes it so attractive to most Americans.  “Everything.” he said.

 

Charles works in Hollywood as a motion picture and TV still photographer.  Just a few years ago he was going through a challenging time in his life when his father gave him a gift.  The gift was a new camera, and with it the suggestion by his father to get out and do what you love.  Ironically, Charles had been dreaming of Venice, Italy.  He was there as a young boy with his mother and sister years ago. 

 

When they arrived in Venice, his mother and sister were exhausted from traveling and spent most of their two days relaxing in the hotel room.  Charles was out and about roaming the maze of Venice’s alleys and bridges on his own.  The mysterious stone buildings and waterways ignited his imagination.  He even claimed one of the bridges he often visited as his very own.  He felt like a prince.  

 

As he grew older, this magical place of his childhood adventure would often visit his thoughts whenever he needed a lift.  Now armed with a new camera and the assurance of his father’s suggestion, he returned to Venice. 

 

The adult Charles rented an apartment on one of the canals.  It was winter and the solitude was just what he had hoped for.  There were very few tourists.  As he walked over the old bridges and through stone corridors, the sound of echoing footsteps and Italian voices rekindled his childhood excitement.  He allowed himself to be guided by his heart and would take a picture of what fascinated him in the moment.  None of them were the typical pictures of familiar Venice landmarks.

 

One day he set out to locate the bridge of his childhood.  He searched by memory and self-determination, convinced he knew exactly where it must be.  Walking up and down alleys, back and forth along the canal, he looked everywhere he believed it should be.  He never found it.  At the day’s end Charles gave up.  He let it all go and made a right turn to head back to his apartment.  This led him to another canal crossing.  He soon realized he was stepping on to his bridge.  It was a little old bridge behind the Opera house.

The bridge from Charles Christopher's childhood in the distance on the right.



 

When he returned to the states he shared his photographs online.  Not long after, editor JoAnn Locktov, founder of Bella Figura Communications, discovered Charles’ provocative photos and contacted him about creating a book together.  It became a reality – Dream Of Venice. [2]

 

Turning the pages of Dream Of Venice [2] gives you the feeling of exploring Venice on a whim, allowing intuition to be your guide.  Because this picture book is a convenient size, as well as, lightweight and durable, I can enjoy it anywhere.  Every time I open it up I feel like I’m in Venice, and every time I put it down I daydream of taking myself there. 

 Dream Of Venice is available on Amazon [2]and a portion of the proceeds from each book will be donated to Save Venice Inc. to support vital art and architecture restorations in Venice.