As I was winding down my legal career, I needed immersion into the art world. So, I went to the center of the Renaissance, Florence, Italy. The no-nonsense Florence Academy provided just the right atmosphere. From the consistently excellent instruction to flooding of the senses with great art, it was a kick start. That was the first year; the second summer, I rented a studio from Robert Bodem, head of the school, for the purpose of completing a two-figure life-size clay in 30 days. Robert said, "no way." Guido was my model, confidant and assistant. We worked almost straight through. We finished! And the piece, "Reports of her Day." was cast in Florence.