03/27/2026
Fly, Little Bird, Fly
Clay
9" x 3.5" x 2.5"
Dedicated to Sveva Caetani
*See her biography below 👇
**See my statement about the piece in the comments
***Available for viewing and purchase at the Caetani House exhibition"Her World" running until April 8.
Sveva Caetani was an Italian-Canadian artist, who lived in Vernon, Canada from 1921 to 1994, after her family moved there from Italy. Born in 1917 and descending from the ancient Caetani House which included popes, politicians, academics, writers and musicians in its lineage, Sveva enjoyed a life of wealth and privilege with frequent trips to Europe, best education, and private art lessons.
Her life changed drastically after the economic crash in 1929 decimating most of the family's fortunes and a few years later, her father's premature death.
Devastated by her husband's death, Sveva's mother Ofelia locked herself into complete exile imposing it on her daughter as well, shielding her from any social contact and forbidding Sveva to leave their property. Being artistically talented, Sveva was also not allowed to paint or express herself creatively in any way.
This life of imposed seclusion continued for 25 years until her mother's death in 1960.
This was the moment of rebirth for Sveva, when she had to learn to survive on her own, to drive and to provide for her own living. She became a teacher and started painting and writing again. Those years after becoming free were marked by resilience, creativity, dedicated artistic practice, hard work and beautiful friendships that she formed with her students and peers.
Sveva willed the Caetani House to the City of Vernon and its citizens to serve as a cultural facility. It is now a Cultural Centre holding art and writing workshops and exhibitions, hosting artist residencies and promoting Sveva's legacy.
