Milan’s Hidden Gardens and Fairy-Tale Architecture

Welcome to my page, my name is Valeria, born and raised in Milan, I'm an artist and professional, licensed tourist guide since 2005. Organizing private tours for small groups and excursions focused on specific districts and atmospheres is part of my job but I''m absolutely flexible and will tailor size any tour according to your needs. Let's make of your stay in Milan a memorable experience! Being a scupltor and painter I have a very emotional way of experiencing beauty and I admire the love, commitment and identification of the ones who worked for something which would last in time and being enjoyed by others. Life is drenched with passion, people often look at architecture or a paintings and don't understand why these stir their emotions. It happens because art is a catalyst, it works like fanning the flames of our memories and it gets into us passing though the barrier of rationality. An invisible breath which gets to the heart. My work as a guide combined with my background as an artist enables me to show how that process works, which are the techniques and strategies used for creating this "gimmick" which awakens our emotionality. When you say "Milano" most people will immediately think of fashion and design. They are right, Milan is the city of image, fashion and design, finance and business, music and food, but, as you'll discover it is much more than that. Old trams driving by beautiful aristocratic mansions, nice cafés along romantic canals, imposing monuments next to old lanes, concealed court yards with little nice restaurants and delicious gelato shops. Founded by the Celts, conquered by the Romans, Milan still shows the traces of its mighty past when it was the capital of Western Roman Empired. Ruled by Germanic populations, conquerd by the French, Spaniards and Austrians, destination of many famous artists like Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Luini as well as of contemporary stylists like: Versace, Armani, Valentino, Gucci, Dolce e Gabbana. It just seems that everybody feels the magnetic effect of a place which melts the best of every culture and gives opportunities to creative people. Milan, the place of inclusion, multiculturalism has created its … unique style. I had an education in foreign languages and litterature (German, English and Mandarin), history and history of art. Editorial illustration is the subject I focused on at IED (Istituto Europeo di Design) and Scuola di Arte e Messaggio at the Sforza Castle. Lessons in copy from life at Istituto Cova and nude painting at Accademia di Belle Arti of Brera is what has taught me to see the essence, geometry and proportion in every shape but my studying process is … a never ending experience. I had exhibition in NY (Agora Gallery), Milan (Spazio Santa Barbara and Open Mind) and published illustrations on magazines (Mondadori, Riza, Cucina Naturale, Yacht Premiere, Gruner und Jahr, etc). How did it happen? I have always been interested in visual art, techniques used by old maestros, the feel of their age, attitude towards life and I had fun taking friends around showing exhibitions and the "secrets" of my city. One day, friends from N. Y. said to me: "This city is spectacular and you are a great guide, why don't you turn your skills and passion into a job? It would be a natural extension of your moulding clay and painting activities!" Actually I had never thought about it but story telling is a form of art indeed and it relly helps to look at thing in a different way. "Why not, is sounds like a good idea!" I thought and, after getting informed how to get licensed, it was clear to me that I had to focus more on local art, history, law on tourism for passing the official exam which is not easy at all. So getting ready for it became my next goal, I studied and eventually got the license! I'm grateful to Florence and Jo for helping me to find my way! - Graduation in languages and literatures (English, German and Mandarin) - IED - Istituto Europeo di Design - studies in art and illustration - Art and Illustration Degree at Scuola Superiore d'Arte Applicata del Castello Sforzesco - Art Academy Brera - classes in Nude Studies (Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera - Scuola del Nudo) - Istituto Cova - classes in copy from life - Sculture Laboratory of Anselma Ferrari at Fornace Curti Milan - sculpting classes - Licensed Tourist Guide in Milan, Monza and Brianza I am not a driver but can arrange transportation upon request