Cliché as it may be, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” For the first time since its inception, ArtTour International’s 10th Anniversary edition cover features founder and Editor in Chief, Viviana Puello. Sitting in a set of her own creation, Puello drew inspiration and peace from the momentos that represent deep, personal meaning in her life. Every item is meticulously chosen for its aesthetic and intrinsic beauty, creating a scene that truly represented the 10-year journey that ArtTour International has traveled.
A photoshoot of this magnitude is normally manned by the hair and makeup artists, multiple photographers, production assistants, and crew. Due to the pandemic, production became a more intimate event.
The set, hair and make-up, costumes, and imagery were all provided by Puello and her entire video production team was manned by ArtTour co-founder and COO Alan Grimandi.
An Anklet from “El Dorado Collection” by Viviana, features an emerald centerpiece that is being kissed by a butterfly, surrounded by Agates and smaller emerald beads. Featured on the cover photo.
Viviana chose to design her own jewelry for this photoshoot. The bracelet was created with Agates from Brazil.
In an interview with Paul Simpson, Puello shared, “Preparing for a photoshoot to truly encompass the journey that ArtTour has been through over the last decade came with a lot of meditation and prayer and preparation. This is the first time I have been on the cover of the magazine, and maybe the last. Everything about this unique cover represents what Art Tour is all about.”
The set featured tree trunks, flowers, and birches from their own backyard.
The concept of the installation began with Puello’s desire to honor mother earth and the planet. Every element in the final cover image shares a piece of ArtTour International Magazine’s journey. We had an opportunity to get the inside perspective from Puello herself about how and why she chose each piece that created the final cover. “Everything was chosen with great intention. The tree stumps came from the mountains in New York near our property. When I go hiking in the fall, I always see fallen trees. I always try to cut them up and save them if we can. My garage is filled with sawed logs, dried flowers, and other different items that I have found on my mountain hikes. When designing this set, I wanted real nature in the studio.”
From logs, flowers both real and fake, to precious stones and even the costume design and jewelry. Everything was chosen to share the extraordinary journey ArtTour and her creators have traveled throughout the last decade to share this anniversary issue with you. “Everything you see on the cover has meaning and is part of the deep spiritual journey of life. An eagle feather I found on one of my many meditations in nature is super meaningful to me. For me, the eagle represents my alter ego. There are many teachings in the bible that talk about eagles and I love the stories and how they bring to light the connectedness and symbolism of their strength.”
Not a single item featured in this dramatic scene comes without a powerful story. “Another natural point of my spiritual connection on this journey was found when I needed it the most. Walking on a hike in the mountains shortly after my kids had all left home. It was a tough transition and I had been super down. I remember hiking in Seridona Springs. The moment that I found that nest was powerful. Seeing the empty nest and understanding how it signifies the end of one moment and the beginning of another gave me peace and great hope for what was yet to come.”
Puello has spent her life creating deep connections with her heritage and bringing that into everything that she creates. The green stones littered on the ground of the set are agate and emerald. The emeralds remain in their natural unfaceted state as a representation of Puello’s home country and her inner connection with the land. Being part Native American, from the Calimari tribe in Columbia, she brings her culture to the designs of her own jewelry creations, including the pieces she wore for the cover. “The stones have a deep meaning from my ancestors. To be able to incorporate more of my heritage into an issue that is very special to me is an honor.”
Puello and her team are passionate about empowering artists. ArtTour International gives their artists the tools they need to be successful doing what they love while bringing awareness to the power and healing we can all experience when embracing all the elements of who we are.
Being able to see the deeper meaning behind ArtTour International Magazine’s 10th Anniversary Cover gives us a big picture view of the founders. Their dedication to art, the earth, and the cultures that have shaped the lives of both Viviana Puello and Alan Grimandi, is unmatched. Whatever the future brings, we know ArtTour International will be at the forefront, encouraging all of us to appreciate every part of our journey and how to see the beauty and art in every moment.
