While in Italy, in a region noted for its ceramics and sculptures, (Montelupo, Montespertoli, Toscana) I was invited to paint my own ceramic plate by Massimiliano the owner of the ceramic factory, Passera Massimiliano. He gave me an apron, sat me down at his table and paints and said, “Vai avanti! – go ahead”. It was the high point of my trip.