Strong emotion in Palazzo Pancrazi in Barga Vecchia this afternoon as Helen Bellany presented her book, The restless wave – My two lives with John Bellany.
Hamish Moore who had just finished the week long Barga School of Traditional Song, Music and Dance 2018 organised by Càirdeas nam Pìobairean (Hamish Moore’s organisation, The Fellowship of Pipers) was on hand to provide a musical start and closure to the event.
Both were original compositions -- the first one, the Bells of Barga and the second, written specifically for John Bellany, as can be seen in the ending of the second video below, left a visually moved Helen Bellany.
‘Bellany’s life and art constitute a saga worthy of his seafaring ancestors. He could not have succeeded without Helen, as this book shows and both knew from the outset of their momentous voyage together.’ -- The Spectator
Helen Bellany, twice married to the artist John Bellany, recalls their lives together in Scotland, London, and Barga, John’s rise from poverty and obscurity to worldwide recognition, and the human cost inherent in creating great art. The sea was in both their hearts and in John’s work from its earliest stages. From there, he deepened into a profound exploration of the human condition. The Restless Wave reflects the mystery, poetry and passion that was at the core of the inner life John and Helen shared.
The couple had great friendships with such fellow artists as David Bowie, and John painted such internationally known figures as Billy Connelly, Sean Connery and Peter Maxwell Davis, as well as many portraits of his muse, Helen.
‘In an effortless style, Bellany lays bare the imperfections of their relationship, capturing both testing times and happy memories. An honest and enthralling read.’ -- Scottish Field
