Old San Juan Art Studio in Puerto Rico
Korber's Atelier Old San Juan Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has always been the place I visit most often and where I love to live. It is the place to which one returns again and again, no matter where one wanders in this world. In 2005, I returned as a resident to this nearly 500-year-old city paved with blue cobblestones.
The very first time I lived in Puerto Rico was in my early 20s. That experience sparked my interest in living in the old world setting. My studio was located at Calle Fortaleza on the top floor of the colonial building and included its rooftop. It was just steps away from everything you could need for inspiration. There I had the space to paint on the 20 foot high walls, and I completed one of my largest commissions, a canvas over 28 feet long.
What can one say about a place to which one returns so often? Aside from personal sentiment, there is something truly unique about Old San Juan. Perhaps it's the old world charm or the historic architecture set against a backdrop of lush vegetation with its unimaginable vibrant greenery. It's a place where culture can be found around every corner, from street performers, artists of all kinds, museums, art galleries, and music. Old San Juan is also home to Poets Passage, a special place for local and traveling poets to connect, founded by a dear friend and well-known poet Lady Lee Andrews.
It was there that I...
Had coffee prepared in an 85-year-old antique coffee maker.
Witnessed the golden sunrises from El Yunque Rainforest.
Hiked through the tropical mountains with breathtaking waterfalls.
Took many moonlight walks along the Paseo La Princesa.
Ate the best foie gras... since Paris.
Enjoyed cold coconut water from a fresh coconut on the beach.
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Ate many alcapurrias, bacalaitos, piononos fried in a big cauldron on the open fire.
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Was honored to be in the presence of one of the true Tai Chi masters of the world.
Found a brother I didn't know I had.
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Enjoyed evenings of endless encounters and conversations over coffee in the Plaza de Armas.
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Watched many sunrises and witnessed a sea of parrots in the grasses in the early morning dew.
Enjoyed nights filled with spontaneous music, laughter, and friends.
Tried the best Flan de Queso ever.
Lived a life of a Sanjuanero.
Just to the left of the entrance gate of San Felipe del Morro is the dry moat. There, on the top of the fortress wall was my favorite place to reflect under the Caribbean sky. There is something transcendental about watching the ocean bathed in the light of the full moon, hearing the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, and breathing the salty air that rises high above the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery down below.
Memories & works from artist's studio in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
About Old San Juan
Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan in Spanish) is the oldest and largest historic city of Puerto Rico. In 1983, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This historic district on the islet of San Juan is surrounded by the old city walls and the two fortresses El Morro and San Cristóbal. It is known for its 16th and 17th century Spanish architecture with colorful buildings lined up along the blue cobblestone streets.
