Expat Stories: Acclaimed Author & Fine Art Photographer Living 'As the Romans Do'

Photography by Diane Epstein

Diane and Alan Epstein are both great examples of what is possible when you commit to facing whatever obstacles you encounter head on in order to realize your dream of living and working abroad. They went from owning a business in San Francisco to living in Rome as an acclaimed author and fine art photographer that exhibits her work worldwide.

I first met Diane during a creativity workshop she was running in the Roman countryside about 6 years ago. Her passion for creative expression and photography was obvious even then. I recall speaking with her at the workshop about her struggle with the choices she had to make to resolve her creative interests, her passion for photography and her work and training as a therapist. Fast forward to today and Diane has since gotten clear about her true passions - she is doing what she loves to do in the country she loves to do it in. 

I've been fortunate to come to know both Alan and Diane over the years. Their passion for ideas, for Italy and enjoying the richness of life in all its forms - be it through word or image - is contagious. Who they are, how they live and the life and careers they've built for themselves always remind me how much we can achieve if we truly commit to making our dreams a reality.

Diane has graciously agreed to share about her and Alan's story. So without further ado, I give you Diane... 

 

I am sitting here sipping a cappuccino around the corner from where I live in the ancient Roman neighborhood of Monti as I reflect on my story. It all began 25 years ago, New Year’s Eve, the night I met my husband, Alan.  Within the first hours of conversation he shared his dream to live in Italy, and I shared mine.  Seven months later we boldly left our secure jobs, were married, and immediately took off to Europe for a four month honeymoon.  It took us another 6 years, a few tragic misfortunes, and then two extraordinary miracles to get us here and to finally make Italy our home. After 16 years, I can honestly say I still can’t believe we’re here. 

There are some lessons I've learned along the way that I am happy to share.

Lesson #1: Take your time to re-invent yourself 

Because jobs are not a given when you move abroad, moving to Italy gave me the opportunity to really dig deep to find out who I am and how I want to express myself professionally. The pace in Italy is slower so the real inspiration came from within rather than from what others expected of me or what I thought I knew. 

My first transition was from therapist to creative coach, leading seminars and retreats in Italy. Eventually I was able to pursue my greatest passion and dream of becoming a fine art photographer.

 

Lesson #2: Find opportunity through the challenges

I wish I could tell you that it’s been an easy path. Sometimes things appeared out of nowhere and felt like a tsunami hit. It was during those times that initially made me wonder if our dream would ever happen or if we would survive. But we have, and we did, and we love our lives. But it didn’t start out smoothly.  

Almost moments after we stepped off the plane and into our new life in the hill-town of Grottaferrata, outside of Rome, with our two children in tow, we discovered the person we left our business with in California was untrustworthy, comprimising the finances we left to secure its future.  

Looking back, at the time it felt like a financial hurricane that would take us down. But it turned out to be a blessing because eventually we both found things that really suited us, rather than having to run an international company from afar. 

Alan went on to write several books, which was a big part of his dream.  But right after he finished writing his fourth book, As the Romans Do: An American Family’s Italian Odyssey, he was rushed to the hospital and needed to be operated on to remove a benign brain tumor. But that did not hold him back. After a lengthy stay in the hospital and recovery time, the Oprah Winfrey Show invited us to be filmed in Rome with our family, and then flown to Chicago to be on her show. The show featured our story and Alan’s book, As the Romans Do. 

In addition to being an acclaimed author, Alan became well know for his enthusiasm and humor as a host in Rome and Florence.  He now runs his own company, As the Romans Do, that provides high end walking tours to celebrities like Ben Stiller and Kyle McLaughlin, as well families and friends on holiday in Italy.

Through these hardships I learned we must each allow ourselves to feel the pain and grief, but then embrace what comes on the others side. Life is truly precious and we must live it to the fullest.  

 

Lesson #3: Act as if and then make your mark

Up until about 6 years ago I did not identify myself as a photographer. I struggled with taking that final step to truly claiming my path. I was much more comfortable describing myself as a creative coach.

However once I did, I started to get some commissions. An Italian friend who was just given an Ambassadorship in Asia asked me to take photos of his farewell party at the Belgian ambassador’s residence. After that event I was invited back to take photographs there. Eventually they offered me my first solo exhibition on top of the Roman Forum. Over 250 prominent people from the Italian community attended. 

When the Belgian Ambassador and his wife asked me to choose a photograph from their view for the invitation and poster, I realized I had to do something remarkably different. That opportunity inspired the development of my signature “fresco” photographic style. Through a technique of layering many photographs I can create an image that looks more like a painting. With layers of crackling walls and sensual contours, I create new depth, texture and innovative interpretations of Ancient Rome.

This was the real start of my career as a fine art photographer. This has led to numerous exhibitions, commissions and displays of my large scale fresco images in Italy and the United States. This career path as allowed me to live an adventurous, artistic life - not necessarily secure but always challenging - and a great joy. 

 

What does the future hold?  

I plan to continue to lead photo journeys and retreats, exhibit my work in galleries worldwide and expand my photo shoots not only in Europe, but also to Asia and South America. I also would like to find an agent to market my fresco images so I can focus more on the creative aspects of my photography.

Alan is finishing a new book and is continuing to work on several projects, including a documentary film.  

We have an upcoming event at the Gerald Bland Gallery on Madison Avenue in New York City and invite anyone in the New York Area to come:

Angels, Goddesses, and the Spirit of Italy: Fine Art Fresco Photography by Diane Epstein and Conversation with Alan Epstein, Ph.D. Discussion led by Alan will address the timeless images and feminine archetypes that have characterized Italian art and culture.

Thursday, December 15th – 6:30 pm

The exhibition will remain until the end of January 2012.

Gerald Bland Gallery 1262 Madison Avenue,  New York. 

RSVP at (212) 987-8505 

E-mail: info@geraldblandinc.com

www.geraldblandinc.com

http://www.epsteinphotography.com/exhibitions-news/

 

Many thanks Diane for taking the time to share your and Alan's story!

 

EXPAT CAREER SUCCESS TIP: Writing your story is a great way to celebrate your accomplishments in life as well as uncover strengths, qualities and talents that could be keys to your personal and professional success.

Take a moment to reflect on the lessons Diane shared through her and her husband's story. Which lesson resonated with you most?  Do any of the challenges Diane or Alan faced remind you of your own? If so, what strengths or talent did you draw from to move beyond that crossroad? Are you using this strength or talent in your work or in your life now? If not, why not?

Reflect on some of these questions. Then consider writing about your own story to see what what strengths, talents or lessons about work and life you might find. Come back and share what you discovered.

For tips on how to write your story, you can read Jo Parfitt's advice on this topic in "expat story" interview. 

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Comments

[Toni DeBella]

Diane, My friend Vince forwarded me this blog and I was very inspired to read your story. I continue to be spurred-on by the many adventurous and courageous people like yourselves who have "blazed the trail" to a life in Italy. I have been working on my "project" for over 6 years and I am closer than ever to the dream becoming a reality. Much like you, in the course of working toward my goal, I discovered a love of writing that I didn't know existed! I am allowing my new-found passion to take me places that maybe I haven't even thought of yet! Thank you for sharing your story and good luck with your show in New York. BTW: Your work is absolutely spectacular, amazing and so original!! Hugs, Toni

[Diane Epstein]

Thank you for your very kind words about our "adventure" and by my photography. I do believe that if you act as if, and follow your intuition, pretty soon you will find yourself here. Where do you dream of living in Italy? Hope to read your stories and meet you one day. Good luck with your projects. A presto, Diane