What would one do if they were invited to spend an afternoon in Picasso’s villa with the man himself and all his artistic brilliance?  This was a question I asked myself as my husband, five year old daughter and I drove up to Connecticut on an invite to one of George Pali‘s homes.  If you don’t travel in art circles (and I confess no inside connections) George Pali is a renowned artist from Albania known for his breathtaking abstract paintings and collages that quite honestly pinch your soul upon first viewing and first “hearing” of the melodies exuding from their frames.

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We were attending his daughter’s engagement party. My husband is in the wedding party and is a great friend of the groom. Mr. and Mrs. Pali hosted a small reception at their main residence and you my faithful readers are hereby invited to walk through their domain with me…

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Think Wizard of Oz, when grey turbulent Kansas morphs Technicolor. Upon driving up to the estate, multi-colored mosaic tiles grace the driveway and entrance portals. Stepping into his home, every wall and ceiling bursts with color throughout and holds a painting perched at every angle. The paintings are the rooms themselves which the walls hug. They are stained glass windows, not overpowering just very present; their vivid colors add a human spirit and soulfullness to every corner. 

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His paintings hold tiny speckles of music notes sprinkled randomly which you can only spot on close inspection or in a challenging game of “I Spy” as my daughter pointed out.

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Although the displayed art was a huge draw, I found the man himself even more intriguing. Short, unassuming, he spoke very little. After the obligatory bow and hello, he scurried away with his hands in his pockets possibly not familiar around strangers in his space. For the Prosecco toast he made a five second speech to the happy couple and then there was silence. 

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One would think that someone who can express himself so passionately in his work would be the life of the party. Yet, I understood him immediately. Artists talk less but can express themselves far more when in their most authentic space.  Sound familiar? I’m thinkin’ Dream Shoes!

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First impressions can be dangerous and people can be sorely misunderstood. Mister George Pali was as warm as a muffin.  Here’s a photo they invited me into. I was humbled to stand in their family circle.

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I’m tossing around the idea for an interview. I realize George Pali doesn’t exactly fit into our juggling shoes but hey, when does one have an opportunity to sit down with a internationally recognized artist?   He could certainly squeeze into our Dream Shoe category! 

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Readers, please drop me a line and let me know if  there’s interest in having me share his story and go for it!

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