I am the founder of Art of Place Atelier, a seasonal journal that explores the intersection of ecology, culture, and artistry through narrative essays and photography. My work documents landscapes, ancestral traditions, and botanical rituals that reveal a destination’s sensory and spiritual essence. With a background in art, education, and environmental storytelling, I create features that highlight sustainable travel, wellness, and place-based heritage..
What got you into travel journalism?
My love of travel started at a young age. I always loved geography and learning about different cultures. Growing up, I traveled to Italy to visit my family, and those experiences opened my eyes to how differently people live around the world. I fell in love with the food, the art, the landscapes, and the stories that make every place unique.
As an artist, I naturally began creating paintings inspired by the places I visited. Photography came next, and eventually writing. I realized that writing allowed me to share not only what I saw, but also what I felt while experiencing a place. That journey eventually led me to create The Art of Place Atelier, where I bring together my love of travel, art, and storytelling. Today, my travels inspire my artwork, photography, educational programming, and writing. Each experience naturally grows into the next.
What’s the most challenging part of being a travel journalist?
For me, the biggest challenge is having enough time and resources to really experience a place. I don’t want to just see the highlights. I want to understand the people, the history, the ecology, and what makes a place feel like home. Balancing the logistics of travel, deadlines, and the practical side of the work can be challenging.
What is the most rewarding aspect of travel journalism?
The most rewarding part is experiencing a place through all of my senses. I love learning about local traditions, art, gardens, food, and nature. Every trip leaves me with new ideas and inspiration that find their way into my paintings, photography, and writing. I always come home seeing the world a little differently than when I left.
What is something you wish people knew about travel journalism?
I wish people knew that travel journalism is about so much more than beautiful destinations. It’s about listening, asking questions, and taking the time to understand the people, history, and stories that make a place unique. Some of the most meaningful moments happen away from the well-known attractions.
How have your cross-cultural experiences shaped your point of view of the world?
Growing up in Hartford with a father from Italy gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures from an early age. Traveling to Italy to visit family helped me appreciate the beauty of different traditions, languages, food, and ways of life.
I also grew up surrounded by friends from many different cultural backgrounds, and I loved learning about their traditions and family stories. Those experiences taught me that every place has something to teach us. They continue to shape the way I travel, with curiosity, respect, and a genuine desire to understand the people, history, and culture of every place I visit.
What have you enjoyed most about being a NATJA member?
I’ve really enjoyed reading other members’ stories and seeing the many different ways people experience the world. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that values thoughtful travel and storytelling. As someone who combines travel writing with art and photography, I appreciate having a place where those passions come together. I’m excited to continue learning from other members and growing as a travel writer.