Few places can be compared to Venice. But Venice, as a lived-in city, is dying. A population which peaked at 164,000 in 1931 is now hovering at around 60,000. About 20 million tourists pour in each year and now most days there are now more tourists than locals in Venice. The number of locals has dropped. By the time the bed-and-breakfasts arrived in Venice, thousands of locals had already packed up and left. This exodus became marked in the 1970s and 1980s, when Venetians, exasperated by the aftermath of the floods of 1966, fled towards the promise of a house on the mainland with a garden and a car in the garage.
Jobs, too have migrated to the mainland. The city was sold off cheap to the hoteliers, water taxi operators and shopkeepers, who got the chance to make money, and now Venice has to reap the consequences of mass tourism. I always feel as though I’m stepping into a piece of art when I visit Venice.
Most of the buildings date back to the 13th and 18th centuries. Venice’s little alleyways create its unique charm. It’s a city labyrinth made of islands, canals, pedestrian alleys and bridges. My aim in this series of etches is to capture the Venice I have loved and enjoyed over many years, before it disappears for ever.
Below is a series of dry points etches looking down one of the canals. In the distance you can see a gondola moored. The narrowness of the buildings creates great perspective and adds a real charm to the ancient city. The absence of cars helps to create a romantic sphere.