What is the best thing that I love about my work?

I love the freedom my work allows me, the creativity to express whatever I wish, the joy of creating and finally, the sharing of the art to another. It’s a joyous full circle experience for me.

What is my idea of happiness?

Happiness is being content with all the things I love to do and all the people I love to share life & love with. Happiness for me comes in many forms, a morning walk with my dogs, a day of painting in my studio, a hug and story from my grandson, a freshly brewed cappuccino with a friend, a garden bursting with fresh vegetables and fruit, a cellar full of hand crafted wines fermenting, walls bursting with unique art, a gathering of amazing people around a table. Happiness comes in so many ways.

What is my greatest fear?

My greatest fear is for me is getting sick or injured in a way that takes me out of the game of life.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? 

I don’t deplore anything about myself, I do have things I need to work on but I also acknowledge that everything good and bad about me is a learning experience, all bad and good help to shape who I am & help shape my direction and development in my life.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

I admire many artists, there are too many to name. Anyone that creates a unique painting or song, a creation from the heart that touches me and makes me feel something, those are the artist I admire. In Music and in Art, I can list at least 50 artists, too many to name. There is so much talent in this world!!

What is my greatest extravagance? 

My greatest extravagance is traveling. Going to different countries to view their world is fascinating. Last year we visited Croatia with friends, Lake Como in Italy and mejuguorua in Bosnia. All extravagant and fascinating!

On what occasion would I lie? 

Never. I do not lie, I do not like those who lie. I believe the truth is very important & the truth matters.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? 

Small things like, I hate cleaning the paint brushes, I don’t like getting interrupted when I’m painting and working. Small things as I love everything about painting and creating.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

I’m always the happiest when I’ve finished a painting that is extraordinary, filled with color and movement, a story and mystery, a painting that I know people will love. That makes me so happy & joyous!

If I could, what would I change about myself? 

I’d like to be a bit more patient with others.

What is my greatest achievement in work? 

My greatest achievement was exhibiting at The Museum de Marrakech in Morocco for three months. Selling 486 original paintings up to $350,000.00 a painting, exhibiting at Walter Wickiser Gallery in NY for 24 years, writing two books and being invited to be in Marlo Thomas’s book, It ain’t over till it’s over.

Where would I most like to live?

 I would like to live exactly where I’m living now, in the most beautiful place in the world to me. Saint Helena, California in the heart of the Napa Valley.

What is my most treasured possession?

My treasured possessions are the photos of my family, my paintings, needlepoint art, photography collection.

What is my most marked characteristic?

My determination and work ethic.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

 In the back vineyard at Charter Oak Winery by the pool, fruit trees and vineyards.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

A small Italian restaurant called Cook’s in Saint Helena, California.

What books influenced my life and how?

I love all books, I love to read! I have so many favorites, I love to read memoirs. My latest books finished, The Art of Power by Nancy Pelosi, Between two Kingdoms by SULEIKA JAQUAD, the Secret life of Sunflowers by Marta MOLNAR

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

The Prayer by Carol Bayer Sayer and David Foster

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? 

The Sound of Music

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? 

It means, what you tell yourself, what you wish for your life, your hopes, your dreams, your goals and ambitions, what you tell yourself will be the story of your life.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? 

I am a fan of all people, I’ve had several people in my life, too many to name that have supported me, sponsored me, both in my work and in my private life. I am grateful for them all.

Which people or companies would I like to work with?

I have exhibited at galleries and museums worldwide. At the carrousel de Lourdes in Paris, the Museum de Marrakech in Morocco, I’ve worked with Walter Wickiser Gallery in New

York for 24 years. At this point I’d love to exhibit my cityscape paintings at the Moma in SF or NY or at the Guggenheim museum, I’d love to exhibit at a major museum. I have some large and small, beautiful, complex and worthy Cityscape paintings that would make an excellent and unique exhibition. I’d love to share these paintings with a major museum & audience.

What project am I looking forward to work on? 

I’m working on five paintings at my studio in Saint Helena at Charter Oak winery, our family boutique winery. CHARTEROAKWINE.COM

I’m working on an exhibition at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York.

WWICKISERG@AOL.COM

I’m working on painting for two businesses.

I’m working on a clothing line, my art on clothes. The name of the company is LalaLuca. We are starting with my paintings on scarves and ties. Looking to branch to leggings and sportswear.

LALALUCA.ORG

Where can you see me or my work?

 You can see my work at Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York.

You can see my work at my private art studio at Charter Oak Winery in Saint Helena.

You can see my work at the Prisoner Winery in Saint Helena.

You can see my work at 1299 A on Main Street in Saint Helena.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

I always say, “It’s a joy to create and an honor to share.” Creating is a passion and a joy, if you have the passion for your work, it’s not work, it’s a joy and a privilege. 

Contact for International Artist Layla Fanucci

WWW.LAYLAFANUCCI.COM

lfanucci@comcast.net

fanucci@charteroakwine.com

7078124609