Memories of Diego Voci by Widow Helga

The Diego Voci Project is gathering “everyday moments” of Diego.

We posted a series of questions on Artifact Collectors to help us learn more about Diego.  http://www.artifactcollectors.com/diego-voci-antonio-diego-voci-3984818/Page17.html#115141

Helga Voci in Germany, responded.  She is the widow of internationally collected artist Diego Voci (1920-85).  Helga shares with us her behind the scenes life with Diego.

What would Diego say when he was smoking a cigarette? (2 packs a day, unfiltered)
“Diego said never anything when he smoked, he enjoyed his cigarettes, and he only got mad when me or somebody else would criticize for smoking so much. He smoked all over, in the house, in the car, at a friends’ house.”

DIEGO with cigarette in hand

Would Diego say anything after a first sip of wine? “Wine was fine for him, but he would never drink more than 1 or 2 glasses, after dinner only espresso and water.”

What would Diego say when he was frustrated with a painting? What would he do? Would he stop and say something or did he gesture a frustration?  “When Diego was frustrated with a painting he would put it aside and finish it later.”

What were the first words out of Diego’s mouth when a potential collector came thru the door?  “Diego was always friendly and very pleased when somebody would come through the door, a customer or just friend, he always liked to have guests in the house, we always said-we have an open house.”

What were the first words out of Diego’s mouth when Diego put down his paint brush and knew a painting was done?  “When a painting was done, he would put it away and it did not interest him anymore, he was only interested in a white canvas, so he could start again.”

Foto0120 Christiane Hauk (2)

What were the first words out of Diego’s mouth when he sold a painting?  “Diego did not get so much excited when he sold a painting, he knew he needed the money to pay the bills, but money did not really interest him, he wanted a good life, nice Restaurants, Holidays, good Hotels, pay his bills, the house, etc.  But he never was interested to shevel money, he did not care, as long as I had a comfortable life and Alessandra had everything she needed, everything was fine.”

What would Diego say over and over and over again to Alessandra?  “He always would say to Alessandra “Pallina mia” (little ball), he loved her very much, he would go to Italy once a year and buy beautiful dresses, coats and shoes in expensive boutiques for her, this was his biggest pleasure, he would buy everything what she wanted.”

DIEGO, Joy & Alessandra in St. Tropez, France 1977

Helga, what slipped into Diego’s voice to keep you calm, “quote” in his words? “To me he would say: Tutto bene (everything all right), non aver paura (don`t worry), and stai calma (be quiet, there are no problems).”

Diego__and_Helga

Diego Collectors, share your memories with us at diegovociproject@gmail.com.