Congratulations Eugenio Volpe! In my mind, I add you to the list of late starters I created a while back as a reminder and inspiration.
This evocative response to the questionnaire, at times turning a question around on itself, showing the reader (and future responders) there's more than a straight answer possible to the questions made me chuckle a few times.
As a side note, my father, who had his first solo art show when he was 60+ and me at 57, was 70 when I was thirteen. Having a 70-year-old dad at 30 isn't bad in my book. And yours, well, this piece tells me to read it.
Judith, back at you! A huge thanks for the kind and inspiring story of your father. I’m honored to be considered in his league. Becoming a dad and artist at 60 takes confidence, courage, and serious moxie! Cheers to you and your dad!
This was delightful. I appreciated Eugenio’s admission: “I’ve been an avid surfer since I was 14, but I have never identified as a surfer. I’ve been a writer for twenty years, and I’ve never identified as a writer. In fact, surfers and writers are some of my least favorite people to be around.” I’ve felt this way often in my own life, and for me, it’s a somewhat unsettling experience, like what is wrong with me? Glad to know I’m not alone in this. 😬
Thanks, Jenn for the response! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you! People like us don’t have to wear our vocations/callings like a designer/name brand outfit. Some of us like to keep our jobs/hobbies/interests out of our personalities. :)
I Loved it, a great interview and it satisfies me in a way that is deep and soulful. You have become exactly who I hoped you would be, yourself. You have lived and took the time to observe and pay attention, you have seen Life down deep, through the distracting glitter, glamor and superficial desires to reach out and grasp what is real and embrace it with the passion it deserves. You have become someone whom I like to honor with the title of "Human Being". I'm proud of you!
Enjoyed your writing Eugenio. I was heavy into martial arts myself and really loved it. It’s been near 10 years now. I earned three black belts phenomenal. Great experience things I was afraid of. Just dropped away. It was great.
Thanks, Denise! And three black belts! Damn impressive! My son always prods me about getting back into it. You’ve inspired here so maybe I’ll climb back into a dojo somewhere!
This interview was especially encouraging to me because I’ve always felt like a “late” bloomer because I prioritized travel and self practices vs building career and a financial cushion. Congratulations, Eugene Volpe! Thank you for sharing your story- and wow - 500 pushups is a lot!!!
Thanks for reading, Emilee! Travel and self-practice is essential for any existential endeavor, and especially artistic ones! The first 75 pushups definitely hurt! Keep traveling and self-practicing!
I love this and can identify with so much in it. Thank you for this interview. Congratulations to Eugenio Volpe on his publication and everything that he is cherishing in his life.
The first punk show i saw was the Dead Kennedys and then I saw Jello on one of his speaking tours! I have an Holiday Inn Cambodia sticker on my truck. No one gets the reference!
Congratulations Eugenio Volpe! In my mind, I add you to the list of late starters I created a while back as a reminder and inspiration.
This evocative response to the questionnaire, at times turning a question around on itself, showing the reader (and future responders) there's more than a straight answer possible to the questions made me chuckle a few times.
As a side note, my father, who had his first solo art show when he was 60+ and me at 57, was 70 when I was thirteen. Having a 70-year-old dad at 30 isn't bad in my book. And yours, well, this piece tells me to read it.
I love this perspective, Judith. Thank you.
Judith, back at you! A huge thanks for the kind and inspiring story of your father. I’m honored to be considered in his league. Becoming a dad and artist at 60 takes confidence, courage, and serious moxie! Cheers to you and your dad!
This was delightful. I appreciated Eugenio’s admission: “I’ve been an avid surfer since I was 14, but I have never identified as a surfer. I’ve been a writer for twenty years, and I’ve never identified as a writer. In fact, surfers and writers are some of my least favorite people to be around.” I’ve felt this way often in my own life, and for me, it’s a somewhat unsettling experience, like what is wrong with me? Glad to know I’m not alone in this. 😬
Thanks, Jenn for the response! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you! People like us don’t have to wear our vocations/callings like a designer/name brand outfit. Some of us like to keep our jobs/hobbies/interests out of our personalities. :)
I Loved it, a great interview and it satisfies me in a way that is deep and soulful. You have become exactly who I hoped you would be, yourself. You have lived and took the time to observe and pay attention, you have seen Life down deep, through the distracting glitter, glamor and superficial desires to reach out and grasp what is real and embrace it with the passion it deserves. You have become someone whom I like to honor with the title of "Human Being". I'm proud of you!
Thanks, dad! Love you!
How did I not know about this book?! Thanks you now I do.
Gillian, I’m very grateful for your interest! Thanks for reading the interview!
I love this guy! I feel seen ;)
Thanks, Robin! You’ve made me feel seen as well!
Enjoyed your writing Eugenio. I was heavy into martial arts myself and really loved it. It’s been near 10 years now. I earned three black belts phenomenal. Great experience things I was afraid of. Just dropped away. It was great.
Thanks, Denise! And three black belts! Damn impressive! My son always prods me about getting back into it. You’ve inspired here so maybe I’ll climb back into a dojo somewhere!
What a great opener….”tire-screeching skid of arrested development…”
Relatable...
Thanks, Michael! Luckily I’ve steered out of it! Ha!
What an exciting writer! Each word and phrase bounces off the page. Thank you!
I really appreciate this, Janice! I really weigh and sculpt every word when writing. Honored it resonates with you!
Great interview. I found it to be very honest. Looking forward to reading your book - I, Caravaggio.
So grateful for your support, Monica! For me as a writer and reader, honesty/truth is the soundboard of a great narrative voice.
"My family has a mix of Jack LaLanne and Keith Richards genes." Hopefully more Jack LaLanne : )
Ha! Unfortunately it leans more Keith!
This interview was especially encouraging to me because I’ve always felt like a “late” bloomer because I prioritized travel and self practices vs building career and a financial cushion. Congratulations, Eugene Volpe! Thank you for sharing your story- and wow - 500 pushups is a lot!!!
Eugenio*
Thanks for reading, Emilee! Travel and self-practice is essential for any existential endeavor, and especially artistic ones! The first 75 pushups definitely hurt! Keep traveling and self-practicing!
I love this and can identify with so much in it. Thank you for this interview. Congratulations to Eugenio Volpe on his publication and everything that he is cherishing in his life.
Thanks, Autumn! I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond to the questionnaire!
Eugenio! 🩷
Ann! Thanks once again for all the inspiration and guidance over the years!
You had me at "listening to the Dead Kennedys"!
Jello was an important voice in my youth/young adulthood!
The first punk show i saw was the Dead Kennedys and then I saw Jello on one of his speaking tours! I have an Holiday Inn Cambodia sticker on my truck. No one gets the reference!
Love this essay and looking forward to reading your book.
Thanks, Joan! I greatly appreciate your interest!
Reminded me that I’ve been laying rubber my whole life, and proud of it.
Keep doing those brake stands!