Relocation to Italy: The Art Of Feeling 

Enjoying small things has never been as difficult as it is now. There is too much of everything everywhere, but there is too little time to appreciate them truly. I’d like to share my experience with VanOne to let you see that some things in life can be simple, such as shipping your art and ensuring it will arrive with integrity to their end. Insurance and customs don’t have to be complicated when dealing with cautiousness. And most importantly, the beauty of seeing and feeling things for more than seven seconds. I hope you like it.

Gamification Experience: Living as a Character 

It’s as if we cannot have anything anymore unless rewarded for it. When was the last time you did something just for the sake of it? Like living an experience without sharing it online. This sounds like hypocrisy since I’m now sharing what happened to me, but it felt different this time. Before, it was like I was constantly surfing on the present without ever touching my feet on the bottom, close to reality but barely tasting it. Recent society, technology and mental traps all humankind probably face at some point in their life had much to contribute to that, but I was also the one to blame. I was too afraid of this and that, being seen, showing my art, and nothing could convince me otherwise. It was when I came across Artemisia Gentileschi’s art visiting The Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The canvas exploding in all senses, I could only try to imagine how much women wished to express at that time without being able to. After that, I could not stop. I was taken by the wish to experience everything as I did with that painting. But the avoidant feeling of not daring to touch fire to keep me from burning was still there. I decided then I’d use the poison against itself. The depersonalisation and derealisation would serve as a pretext to see myself as the character and player. I acted and mimicked the bold behaviour of the women I aimed to be like. Every pencil stroke, every social interaction, a phase to discover, build a strategy, get started and end the game.   

Removals to Italy: Going back to Florence

While executing my plan, I received an offer to return to Florence. Years later, I enrolled in an art restoration course in Italy to improve my job as an inker. I loved being around artists and their work; caring for their masterpieces made it all worth it. But it was also because I was too challenged to put out my paintings. Years later, one of the institutes of conservation, where I acted as an intern, sent me an email; they wanted to know if I’d like to work as a preventive conservator. I’d have the chance to act in a field I love and enrol in extension courses to develop my skills in the birthplace of the Renaissance. The game was levelling up, and the butterflies in my stomach as well. I accepted, though. 

Art Work Shipping: Preparing to Move to Italy 

The passport was updated, I had the tickets all sorted out, and my family was supportive, but I didn’t have a clue on how to bring my canvas, painting materials and all my other belongings with me. If I had a couple of dozen canvases, I imagine it wouldn’t be that tricky, but I had a whole studio to ship with expensive and sensitive materials. I did my research, of course, and right from the start, I felt overwhelmed by the regulations. I knew about the packaging that required acid-free tissue paper to wrap the paintings, the special bubble wrap, etc. The bigger problem lay in insurance, clearance to enter Italy, and how I should estipulate the value to fill inventories. May I return to when I was just staying in dorms as a student? I started a different kind of research now, a service to make all the scary parts for me, and I was happy to delegate to VanOne. I found them through their website and simulated what I thought was the approximate weight of all my removal. The quote was reasonable, and I contacted them; it was what I expected. The customer service was gentle enough to make me secure enough to repeat all my questions until I senate my doubts. They went through dimensions, weight and cost. Through invoices, temporary and permanent shipping, taxes and other fees.  

Shipping Art from the UK to Italy

Understanding the process of shipping art from the UK to Italy is crucial to avoiding problems. The steps below ensure your artwork is safely and efficiently transported, especially if you have to do the packaging yourself.

• Packaging for Different Types of Artwork: Packaging is crucial to protect your artwork during transit. For paintings and canvas art, start with a layer of glassine paper to protect against dust and moisture, followed by bubble wrap to cushion against shocks. Use a sturdy cardboard box or a custom-built crate for added protection, ensuring there is no space to avoid movement during shipping​.

• Insurance Coverage: Insurance is essential to cover potential loss or damage during shipping. Not all policies are the same, so ensure you choose one that covers the full value of your artwork. Keep detailed records, including photographs of the artwork before shipping and receipts for any shipping-related costs​. At VanOne, we ensure all your items are covered and carefully transported to keep you from worrying about the integrity of your belongings.

• Handling Customs: When shipping internationally, customs regulations must be adhered to. Include a detailed customs form specifying the shipment’s contents, value, and nature. Be aware of potential import fees the recipient might incur and ensure all necessary documentation is completed accurately​. Our team takes care of the bureaucratic parts for you. We’ll get customs clearance for your shipment for an affordable price without hidden fees.

• Understanding International Shipping Rates: Shipping rates can vary widely depending on the shipment’s size, weight, and urgency. Compare different removal services to find a balance between cost and reliability. Specialised shipping companies often provide tailored services that include shipping and handling customs, which can be more reliable for valuable or fragile items. We’ve been realising removals throughout Europe for more than a decade. Our services are meant to meet all your requirements and needs.

• Choosing the Right Company: Select a company experienced in international removals. At VanOne International Movers, we offer services catering to all logistics areas; we will inform you about the best options to meet you at an accessible price. We provide tracking services, insurance options, and expertise in handling goods internationally, ensuring that your shipment is handled carefully​.

Boss Level: Accepting and Letting Myself Go

After all the internal Odyssey I went through, I realised that more than the perception I thought others had of me and how much power they held with this, what bothered me the most was how I saw myself. Holding back can be quite damaging and counterproductive. All the women I’ve been worshipping for their work and advancements in raising our voices, Frida, Artemisia, Mary Cassatt, Angelica Kauffman and many others, just by letting themselves be seen. I had to make good use of the privilege they granted us and share my views of the world, be myself, and allow my art to be seen as well. The only way is through; I faced a lot to be where I am today. I hope this text inspires anyone doubting their abilities to simply try. But go out there and do what you love, on your possibilities. From just getting outside to glimpse the skies to moving to Italy. Love, Alice.