Fitting in | Belonging

A journey to belonging.

Almost Wild, acrylic on linen, Sonya Hotko

For the last two years I have had the pleasure of showing my work at the Artigianale e Palazzo Artisan exhibition at the Corsini Gardens in Florence. Working alongside other artisans in Italy has for me, developed a deeper understanding of the aesthetic here, which goes beyond style and instead captures a way of living.

Now, paintings that embrace the perfectly imperfect have become the focus of my interest, pieces that include a blend of vintage and modern with a sense of history and charm. My affinity with the culture and way of life where I live is important to the development of my work and my life here in Italy.

Belonging is actually a heart space more than it is about a place.

Belonging is a goal much desired when beginning life in a new country. I have been occupied by trying to fit into the community, the art scene, and friendships and I’ve made progress. Although to the extent of belonging…this perhaps has eluded me. However, I am coming to understand that belonging is actually a heart space more than it is about a place.

The experience of showing my work at the Artigianato e Palazzo exhibition has been influential to my journey of discovery in this country. Since the show last year, September 2025, the realization that old dreams must go to make room for new dreams has become apparent. I have held so tightly to my dreams - maybe they have become a stumbling block - restricting my growth and blurring my vision. It’s almost a shock to realise the depth that is needed in truly letting go, yet always this reveals an unexpected freshness and clarity required for moving forward. The feeling of stagnating is a fearful one, letting go is full of faith in your existence and in your place.

The death of a loved one and the death of a dream, seemly unrelated events occupied the same space in my life last year. Even so, holding this journey together is the garden at the Corsini Palazzo in Florence, this garden has held my dreams since coming to live here. I was unaware of this, yet as each year has come and gone the garden has filled an empty space and held the future.

The importance of place and memory guide my journey forward, so as I look back at my garden journey, I also look forward to the life I am creating within garden spaces.

This year at the Corsini Gardens the Artigianato e Palazzo Exhibition will be held in September.