Deia Unpacked

In this episode Tara speaks to two fabulous women who are adventurous, out of the box, and very talented artists, Vivian Borsani and Anja Kleener. In their talk, we learn that both of these artists have fascinating backgrounds that have led them to reinvent themselves more than once. Not only are Vivian and Anja involved in the Mallorca art scene, they frequently have shows together and are great friends. This talk is full of creative energy, laughter, and is a good fun listen.

In this episode Tara speaks to a man who has mastered the art of mystery, dedication, and excellence, the CEO of Butler Experience Mallorca, Andrea Loni. In their talk, we learn about Andrea’s journey through the world of hospitality and how it landed him in Deia. Andrea’s connection with the Deia community combined with his empathetic nature, has made him a successful entrepreneur on the island, as well as an excellent husband and father. This talk is super fun and it gives an interesting insight into how important hospitality is for the island economy.

In this episode Tara speaks to a Deia original who also happens to be a very talented singer/songwriter, Natalia Farran. In their talk we learn about what it was like for Natalia to grow up in a family that nurtured artistic expression in all of its forms. Natalia talks about her career in voice and music, and her upcoming album. Natalia’s poise and thoughtfulness makes this a very compelling talk. Stay tuned to the end when you will hear Natalia singing “Home,” written by Natalia, arranged by and produced by Clarissa Farran Graves, with Ramon Farran on drums.

In this episode Tara speaks to a tenacious, brilliant artist, and a beloved member of the Deia community Gina Cubeles. In their talk we learn about the incredible art community in Deia and Llucalcari around the time when Spain’s Modernisme was influencing some of the greatest artists in the world. Gina’s lively mind, and incredible passion for her art, which is full of natural imagery and texture, represents a valuable generational legacy of the arts in Spain.

In this episode Tara speaks to one of the sons of Deia, a young man who is civic minded, family minded and who has a close group of legacy friends who make up a Deia brotherhood, Pep Salas. In their talk, we learn about Pep’s connection to Deia, and his concerns about the issues that impact the village. It is delightful to know that this next generation coming up, cares and is committed to the future of this special community and its rich heritage.

In this episode Tara got to speak to a fabulous couple whose sense of humor, and bon vivant energy are exactly what we all need this holiday season, Karina and William Annesley.  Their knowledge of good food, wine and spirits, combined with their wit and fascinating life experiences makes this such a fun talk. There are some great shout outs to a few of the island's local eateries, and enough naughty language to make us wonder if the Annesleys will be getting Santa presents this year. Tara hopes you enjoy this talk as much as she did.

In this episode Tara speaks to the thoughtful, intellectual artist and photographer, Pixy Liao. Pixy, also known as Bloody Pixy in the art world, has created a long term vision of relationships through her most important body of work, Experimental Relationship. Tara got to talk to her during her summer Residency with La Residencia here in Deia. In their talk, we learn that Pixy’s life experience growing up as a single child in China during the time of the one child policy, shaped her worldview and led her on a path of creativity that resonates on a global scale.

In this episode Tara speaks to the warm and wonderful woman who researched and wrote the book Soul of Soller, Ellen Joosten. If you love Soller as much as Tara does, this is your episode. In it, Ellen and Tara talk about everything Soller, from its history to its current state, with all of the love and affection that special town deserves. This talk is a celebration of what Tara, a born and raised New Yorker calls, “the Brooklyn of Mallorca.”

In this episode, Tara speaks to an adventurous, risk taking artist who also happens to have a good sense for business, Sara le Roy. Sara recently opened Deiarte Gallery & Bar on Deia’s high street. Sara is as warm, funny and engaging as her art is dark, multilayered and powerful. She is a remarkable addition to the Deia community, and her gallery already tells the tale of many incredible Deia moments to come.

In this episode, Tara speaks to a remarkable woman, a native Deianenc, who is a vital part of the Mallorcan community in Deia, Magdalena Ripoll Vives. In their talk we learn that Magdalena has family connections with some of the old Deia families, including that of Toni Vives who was the secretary to Archduke Lluis Salvadore. They talk about her passion for theater and how the performing arts has become an important part of Deia culture.  They also discuss the changes in Deia she has seen in her lifetime, and her sense of not understanding what a paradise she had until it changed, including concerns that they both have for the loss of Mallorcan culture on the island. Can we hold onto what is left of paradise and Mallorcan culture?