This painting is part of a tribute series to Il Barone Rampante by Italo Calvino.

The Baron’s choice to live in the trees has long resonated with me as a metaphor for choosing one’s own perspective. He doesn’t reject society out of rebellion, but from a deep desire to see differently, to think freely, and to remain true to himself—even if it means living apart.

These works echo that quiet defiance and emotional independence. They imagine cities suspended in the air: dreamlike structures untethered from gravity or convention. I like to think the Baron would have felt at home here—wandering among these impossible skylines, where solitude and clarity coexist.

Like the Baron, I returned to my true path later in life—choosing authenticity over expectation, even when it meant facing the backlash that often meets those who step outside the norm. This series is both homage and self-portrait: a quiet celebration of standing apart in order to belong more fully to oneself.

A Note
Much of my work is highly tactile and reflective—its appearance shifts with changes in light, angle, and the viewer’s position. As a result, color and contrast can vary significantly, making it nearly impossible to maintain perfect consistency across photographs and videos. If you notice differences between images of the same piece, this is both expected and intentional.