“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if we only seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharal Nehru
During the first few weeks that followed graduation, I felt the most solitary, yet equally as comforting, sensations that would naturally accompany such a drastic transition in one’s life.
After exchanging my final goodbyes to many of my friends and classmates, It was hard not to feel homesick when thinking back to the days where it all began.
I’m honored to have been exposed to such integrity, ambition, awareness and sensitivity. Even now, I remain grateful. I’ve grown with, and even apart from these artists; all while experiencing monumental turning points together.
Taking the good with the bad, I’m thankful for the lessons they’ve taught me, the challenges they’ve evoked, the beautiful smiles they’ve created and for giving me the most cherished memories I could have ever asked for. Although most of us are separated now, It’s an absolute pleasure to still maintain close connections to many.
My dear Willow, is one of these friends.
Painter, print-maker, film maker and photographer, Willow Wells is a New England based artist who depicts scenes of horror comedy through exaggerated motifs of violence and paraphernalia. For the many years that I’ve known this talented woman, I’ve never seen her give anything less than her best work.
I’m the proud owner of not just one, but many, of her stunning pieces. It’s always been the greatest pleasure to have her works adorn my walls.
She’s not only acted as an artistic inspiration, but also a guide, voice of reason and strong support system for me.
In more ways than one, Willow has always been there to support me during my lowest moments. If we had to put a name and face to the word “love”, it would certainly be her. She produces such incredible work under that term and has always advocated for the benefit of others because of it.
She may never realize how much of an impact she’s made on me; especially from the small acts of kindness that extends anywhere from having quick lunches together to watching horror films on a cloudy day. No matter what the case may be, adventure is always swift to follow her.
With this, it’s safe to say that a spontaneous day trip to Rhode Island together, was easily an emprise found straight out of a dream.
During this time, I was shifting in and out of three, very different homes. It was difficult for me to find the proper environment where everything fell into place. I wanted an atmosphere where I could better myself mentally and physically in.
I was aching for home; a place where I could freely express myself and take authority over my own life. I thought that by uprooting everything I’ve built over the past three years, I could grow into the person I’ve always aspired to be.
What had been originally intended as a fresh start and change of pace, quickly transposed into another, toxic environment. Although for very different reasons, both cases offered the same negative impacts on my health and overall well-being.
Thankfully, with the encouragement of friends like Willow, I felt stronger and more optimistic that everything would turn out alright in the long run. The positive energy was infectious and raised my spirits immensely. Despite the encompassing negativity, each day was made all the more bearable because of that faith they’ve poured into me.
And of course, there’s no other treatment more rejuvenating than spending time with a dear loved one.
Chapter I
Providence Place
Heading out early, we began our adventure by stopping somewhere for breakfast.
Although slightly different from the bakery we struggled to locate, The Middle of Nowhere Diner supplemented as a wonderful second option.
Planning our day over coffee and bacon strips, we decided to stop at a few parks that were in close vicinity to the Providence Place Mall. Eventually, we found our way to the Waterplace Park and strolled in between the busy city life.
I couldn’t resist myself from getting a few shots as we passed by the cutest restaurant.
Unfortunately, we hadn’t eaten at “Friskie Fries”, though we’ll certainly have to do so for the next time around!
Waterplace Park
As we exited the park through a community built archway, Willow and I stumbled upon something absolutely extraordinary.
By shear luck, we discovered a remarkable, Gothic cathedral.
The little ‘ Medievalist ‘ in me felt true sensations of awe when gazing up at the delicate rose windows and pointed arches towering from above us.
When returning back home to Connecticut, I immediately did some research to better familiarize myself with the cathedral’s history.
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is considered to be one of the most prominent pieces of architecture for Providence. With the exterior’s sister-towers ascending at a remarkable 156 ft, the structure is entirely built with Connecticut Brownstone. The interior is decorated in a Gothic / Romanesque Revival style, that echos the Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois.
With a growing number of Catholics in the region during 1872, Bishop Francis Patrick McFarland expressed an interest in expanding a small church that was dedicated to Sts. Peter and Paul. The following year, Irish-American architect, Patrick C. Keely; to whom was responsible for designing nearly 600 churches, was selected to draw out plans for the build of the cathedral.
The first Bishop of Providence, Thomas F. Hendricken, was also invested in the project. Feverishly working towards eliminating $16,000 of debt in 1872, Hendricken signed a contract two years later that issued the approval for the construction. Unfortunately, the Bishop’s health rapidly declined during that year; later passing away before the church was fully completed.
While construction was still underway, the Bishop’s funeral mass was the first to be celebrated at the cathedral in 1886. During the time of his death, the investment costs towards the build was an incredible $300,000.
With over a decade passing after the original plans began, the cathedral was finally complete and consecrated on June 30th 1889 by Bishop Matthew Harkins. In 2006, the basement was renovated with a tomb stone that was laid in the upper church as the final resting place for Bishop Hendricken.
To this day, he rests beneth the very cathedral that is his legacy.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
“Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (Providence, Rhode Island).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Sept. 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Saints_Peter_and_Paul_(Providence,_Rhode_Island).
Secondary to the lovely Willow herself, the Cathedral was easily one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Unfortunately, with the church’s hours having been closed; this fated our admiration of the interior to be experienced on a different day. Although disappointing, one could only imagine my excitement over what calls for a second adventure back to the cathedral!
I was absolutely smitten with this beauty, and spent quite a bit of time trying to capture the perfect angles of it. In case you folks don’t believe me, here’s the blackmail in question to prove it!
It was incredible to see the very structure that represents such monumental history for Providence. It was all the more lovely getting to share in that experience with such a dear friend. I appreciate her so much for being with me that day; especially because she gracefully put up with the amount of time I’ve spent for photo-taking! 🙂
Finally departing from the cathedral, we made our way over to the Providence Place Mall. Naturally doing what any young millennial would do, we shopped around for outfits. At one point, we couldn’t believe what we’d just found in one of the stores….
Providence Place Mall
Matching banana printed rompers!
You heard right, banana rompers!
Although they fit neither one of us, we made it a point to take home a photo of us with them on. This was particularly wonderful, as bananas and various other fruit types are seen as recurring motifs in Willow’s pieces.
There truly couldn’t have been a more perfect outfit for us to match in. Now if one with a pineapple print somehow made its way to us, I’m sure that it would be an outfit near impossible for us to leave behind. I wouldn’t have purchased something faster, I do think!
So here we are, banana-nana’d up, and ready to take on the world! Or, maybe just Newport.
Chapter II
Newport
After noticing a very peculiar building from just off of Connell Highway, we took a slight detour to pull into the driveway of what became known to us as Aardvark Antiques.
Aardvark Antiques
Everything within this store is utterly breathtaking. From wooden thrones comprised with exquisite carvings of dragons, to elegant slabs of stained glass windows; the entire world can be discovered here.
Antiquing is one of my favorite passed times and I’m so glad to have a friend who is just as enthused about it as I am. If we hadn’t been losing so much day light by this point, I’m sure we could’ve easily spent a few more hours exploring.
Thankfully, the store wasn’t too far from where we were headed, to which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Parking was definitely an extensive hurdle for us, but well worth it when we were finally able to overcome it.
Here are a few captures from walking around the miscellaneous shops, view fronts and sweet bakeries/cafe’s.
Ending the evening with dinner by the water, we got a few Polaroid shots before finally heading home.
It was absolutely wonderful having that time together.
I’ve learned so much on this adventure; chiefly taking in that it’s not about the physical space you occupy, but of the moments shared with your loved ones that make for a true “home”.
Although certain things haven’t fallen into place just yet, I’ve learned that no matter how often my life may change, the love of “home” will be always be constant and static. Our paths may be different, but our friendship and support in each other will always be one in the same.
I love this little lady with all of my heart and always look forward to the next adventure together.
When you all have the chance, please have a look at her fantastic work. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willows_wells/
Check back soon for the release of Cozy, a short film that I had the pleasure of narrating for: https://www.willowwellsstudio.com/film
And also have a peek at her most recent painting that I’ve posed for: https://www.instagram.com/p/B5is93dglyy/
“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” – Thomas Aquinas.
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