What is the Question – October

For October’s What is the Question, Roland Rocchiccioli talked with visual artist and musician Di Bresciani.

 

What is your name?

Di Bresciani OAM nee Hofmaier.

 

What is your occupation?

Musician (teacher – piano) and a visual artist.

 

What brought you to Ballarat?

My family, especially my older sibling, who insisted I go to boarding school. We lived in the Mallee on a wheat and sheep farm. Ballarat College were thought to be the best, and nearest. Both my brothers attended Ballarat College, so at nearly 12 years I went to Clarendon, as it was known.

I remember the art gallery paintings, and Sunday walks around the Wendouree Lake with the boarders.

The amazing Begonia Festival was truly memorable.

 

What is your earliest memory?

My grandfather singing a song to me whilst he was fixing a door. That must be 78 years ago.

 

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

I am not courageous! Maybe learning to face-up to people.

 

What is happiness?

Maybe coping, and being happy enough.

 

What would you do to make a difference in the world?

Perhaps I can help those around me feel a bit better.

 

What would your friends say is your greatest quality?

Perhaps painting and teaching.

 

What would your enemies say is your greatest failing?

I don’t know if I have enemies, but then I don’t go out in the big world looking.

 

Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life?

My parents, my husband, children and grandchildren – after that music and painting.

 

What is your greatest vice?

Taking it easy.

 

Who last caused you to cry?

I cry almost daily. Really!

 

What’s the criticism that has most stuck with you?

When I can’t please in my work.

 

What advice would you offer your teenage self?

Find your place in the world.

 

What do you hope the future might hold for you?

Being able to continue as I am.

 

What is the best decision ever you have made?

To buy this home, and marry Lino.

 

What do you like to cook and why?

I used to cook but Lino loves being in charge in the kitchen, so I busy myself elsewhere. Have done this for ages now so cooking feels a bit foreign.

 

What is your most treasured possession, and why?

My paints, my Steinway, my pearls, and Lino.

 

What would you change if you could edit your past?

I would give more love to my parents, especially my mother.

 

What or who inspires you?

Music, art, flowers, garden.

 

What is your favourite quote?

“Tomorrow is tomorrow. Nothing comes from nothing,” Shakespeare.

 

What person, living or dead, would invite to dinner party?

My brother Keith Hofmaier, we would have fun.

 

What technological/scientific development boggles your mind?

Always intrigued. Just this week, new discoveries about gravity and quantum measurement of electrons.

 

What qualities do you admire in other people?

Informed, intelligent, and caring.

 

What was your first job?

Teaching piano.

 

What did you want to be when you were growing-up?

An artist.

 

What scares you?

Terrified of escalators going down, and heights, generally.

 

What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?

People take advantage. You think you are helping but you are soft touch – a sucker!

 

What was the name of your favourite teacher, and why?

Not teacher but interpreter of my life. Gerard Vaughan (Australian art historian and curator) because he clarified some of it.

 

What was your favourite toy?

Coloured chalks, grinding them and suspending in glasses.

Still value so much a lifelike doll my Mother bought and dressed for me when my brother married (dressed it as a replica of the bride).

What is something about you which is still the same as when you were a child?

Being able to love, feeling, enjoying music, arts, and close relationships.

 

What would your childhood-self think of you today?

I think she would say, “How are you? Glad I met you again.”