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Jakarta Post

Book worm: Michaela Anselmini: Books helped shape my career

Courtesy of Ahmet Magdy PhotographerGreat books have the power to not only captivate a reader’s mind but also transform their lives

Yun Kyung Kim (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Mon, September 11, 2017

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Book worm: Michaela Anselmini: Books helped shape my career

Courtesy of Ahmet Magdy Photographer

Great books have the power to not only captivate a reader’s mind but also transform their lives.

Michaela Anselmini is a renowned Italian figure in the field of art restoration and conservation with a focus on antique, modern and contemporary works of art.

Although she is not based in Indonesia, her previous work experiences in Bali inspired her to use her Italian artisan skills to help open a restoration studio and program in Indonesia.

She hopes to educate people about the importance of art restoration to preserve art for the future.

She said her 20 years’ experience in art restoration were largely shaped by hands-on experiences and, perhaps more importantly, by the books she has read.

“I’m not sure whether I chose to read books to become a restorer or if the books I read influenced my decision to become restorer. Above all, they made me fall in love with art more than ever,” Michaela said.

In fact, she thinks books have helped her grow and change her perception of how she sees the world.  

“I’m lucky to have pursued my passion in my job, and in a sense, I think every aspect of my life is connected,” Michaela said. “Books gave me a better understanding of the world and have ultimately affected my career.”

LIVES OF THE MOST EXCELLENT PAINTERS […]

by Giorgio Vasari

Lives of The Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, And Architects is another amazing book that dates back to the 16th century and gives readers a glimpse into the lives of the biggest artists during the time. It is quite amazing to see that those who we consider the ‘Masters’ today were already recognized as extraordinary talents in art and culture back then. This book is an extraordinary “window” into that amazing period. If you love art and culture, you will go crazy for this book.

THEORY OF RESTORATION

By Umberto Baldini

This book — Theory of Restoration and Methodological Unity of Umberto Baldini — is a ‘must-read’ for those studying art restoration. I have to admit it was honestly a bit boring for me to read. The content of the book is very interesting, but it is very dense with information so it requires your full attention to process the intense material. It took time for me to complete it, but it’s a book that needs to be read.

THE CRAFTSMAN’S

HANDBOOK

by Cennino Cennini

The Craftsman’s Handbook: Il Libro Dell’arte of Cennino Cennini is an amazing book that was written in the 15th century. It gives readers a glimpse into the daily duties of an artist during that time. I was actually lucky enough to read it in the original language it was written (Italian), but I hope the English-translation gives the same reading experience to foreign readers.

VITA DI SIDDARTHA IL BUDDHA

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Although I am not a Buddhist, I see myself as more spiritual than religious. I especially love this book and I recommend it, because regardless of what we do, who we are and where we live, Buddha has some extraordinary lessons for all of us. And Thich Nhat Nanh does a great job narrating the story.

The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post

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