“When you’re here with me, this room no longer has walls—only trees, endless trees.” For Gino Paoli, with the right person, looking up within the walls of one’s home could reveal the sky. But how many other things might be hidden beyond that ceiling we so often find ourselves staring at? How often does our gaze get lost in details we barely catch a glimpse of, as we walk immersed in the noise of the world? And how often does it find a treasure to snatch in a few moments and hold tight for at least a handful of breaths?
Whether it’s a coffered ceiling, a beautifully painted one, or one adorned with a majestic chandelier, every glimpse we catch by looking up as we stroll down the street offers a small but precious thrill of discovery. Every ceiling we catch a glimpse of represents a form of unintended art. But above all, it reminds us that life and history often unfold not only behind or in front of us, but also a little higher up. Just a few steps from the sky, yet always on this Earth.
