Harmony Through Contrast

Maria Livia grew up in Italy during World War II as a child yearning for knowledge and beauty, enchanted by colors and light, captivated by nature and all that is sacred between earth and sky. An eager reader, Maria Livia soon immerses herself in literature and works she discovers in her father's vast library: from North American poets to Russian classics. She loves sports, but above all Maria Livia thrives in nature, which she enjoys during long summer holidays (school begins in October). From this observation of nature springs her love of painting and the arts. A painter-uncle encourages and mentors young Maria Livia. At age 10, she paints her first work in oil on cardboard (on the back of an old calendar). This oil painting is a copy of a work by Italian artist Brioschi owned by her parents. After secondary school, Maria Livia wishes to apply to Fine Arts Lyceum to pursue a career as a painter, but her parents direct her to Classico Lyceum because they consider the artist's profession too uncertain.