Zen and the Art of Finding One’s Muse on the Road

This week, we’re striking up a virtual conversation with three artists spanning subjects, styles, and time zones. Meet photographer of Bahamian island life Alessandro Sarno (Milan), professional dog photographer Carlos Andres Cruz (Bogota), and eclectic muralist and graphic artist Ricardo Cavolo (Barcelona) — and join in our discussion of creative sparks, traveling as seeking, and finding artistic inspiration along the way.

These events are presented collaboratively by The Betsy Hotel, Florida International University, Miami Beach Urban Studios, and other community partners.

Carlos Andres Cruz is a professional dog photographer based in Bogota, Colombia. On a visit to Miami Beach a few years ago, Carlos serendipitously came across Katie and Betsy, our hotel’s CEOs (Canine Executive Officers), playing ball on the beach. Carlos "was captivated by Katie’s ability to surf and retrieve the tennis ball at the same time" and began shooting. Katie (short for Katherine Hepburn) sadly passed away last year, and a new Golden Retriever puppy, Rosa,  arrived on the scene shortly after, taking on her role as assistant CEO and chief cheerer-upper to Betsy, who still misses Katie deeply. Carlos thought it only fit to add pictures of Rosa to the Underground Gallery, and we are proud to announce four new additions of Rosa to the collection in a new show called, “Introducing Rosa”.

Alessandro Sarno is a Milan-based artist who, having left his job in London, began his journey into photography in 2008 on the porch of the Betsy Hotel, before traveling to The Bahamas for the first time seeking sunshine and a new life. Before departing he purchased a camera and while there captured images that documented a transformative personal experience as he was introduced to deeply spiritual and colorful Bahamian cultural traditions. The Betsy is thrilled to bring Sarno’s artistic journey full circle by presenting his first (ever) Miami exhibit, called "The Spirit of a People: Portraits and Slices of Life in The Islands of The Bahamas".

Ricardo Cavolo is based in Barcelona and has a world reputation for an eclectic artistic style that borrows from folk art, traditional and modern tattoo culture, European religious imagery and tribal art. His work is filled with stories and characters, intuiting their (real and imagined) experiences across time, with a unique use of symmetry and symbolism, and unabashed celebrations of color.  Cavolo’s portfolio features commissioned public murals and art exhibitions across the globe from Paris, London, Moscow, and Mexico City to Hong Kong, Montreal, and Madrid. Cavolo’s body of work includes collaborations with Bally, Zara, Alexander McQueen, and Jose Cuervo among others. The Betsy will soon debut Cavolo’s exhibit, 101 Movies to Watch Before You Die.