Paul
CoM: CIAO! TODAY WE’RE INTERVIEWING COSTUMED CARNEVALE ATTENDEE AND PHOTOGRAPHER, PAUL BURT.
Photo by Barak Shacked
CoM: PAUL, WHEN DID YOU GET INTRODUCED TO VENICE ITALY’S CARNEVALE?
PB: I first knew about the Venice Carnevale while I was doing a degree course in acting at university which I graduated from in 2023. I was working on an assignment about theater masks back in 2022 and the Venetian masks and their history for some reason, I don't know why, something about it all just clicked with me to the point where it became something I wanted to experience in person.
So, throughout 2022, I started watching as many Youtube videos I could find on the event. I remember being so fascinated about it all. I was so impressed by the costumes. Then I learned there are other events like the Venice Carnevale all around Europe and I remember saying to one of my friends, "Man, why is there nothing like this where I am?” And, “How come I never knew about all this before?"
That's when I decided to start making plans to come to Venice for the first time in 2023. It was my first ever time being in a different country as well, so my time in university is where it all started for me. If it was not for my time on that course, I would have never known about the Venice Carnevale.
Photo By Karla Lechleiter
CoM: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CARNEVALE?
PB: I love how impressive the costumes are and how expressive someone can be while in costume. It's like an expansion of someone's personality coming to life. They get to be themselves while in costume and being at an event like this allows that.
I remember when I first arrived in Venice and my first costume was a hired costume. I put it on and the moment I stepped outside of my hotel making my way to the square, I'm not going to lie, I was very nervous. Because, I'd never been to anything like this before and I'd never worn any costume like that before. How were people going to react to me in the costume I had?
It was a whole new experience for me and I had all those thoughts dancing in my head. But once I got into the vibe of it and seeing how people reacted to me on the square, I felt like a rockstar. At that time, I'd never had that many photos being taken of me in my life.
To then be on the other side of the lens as a photographer is another part of the experience that I love about the Carnevale. Also, Carnevale itself is just a really cool experience to be a part of.
One of the main reasons why I keep coming back is because it has had a huge positive effect on my life and mental health. And to see those I've become friends with who also take part in Carnevale each year. It's gotten to the point where I can't be away from this event now
Photo by Claudio Nannetti
CoM: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE CARNEVALE TO SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN?
PB: I'd tell them to go check it out at least one time in their lives. But just know that once you catch that Carnevale bug, you'll be going as many times as you can.
CoM: ARE YOU A CARNEVALE CREATOR?
PB: Technically, my friend helps me create the costumes I have because I don't have the skill set myself. But, I do buy fabrics and draw the early sketch designs for them so my friend can help me bring the costumes to life.
Photo By Alain Gerbert
CoM: WHICH CARNEVALE BUSINESS IS YOUR GO-TO?
PB: La Bauta has been one of my go-to stores for Carnevale stuff. I got a few masks from them, shoes, and it was where I hired my first Carnevale costume which I eventually ended up buying from them so I could keep it.
CoM: ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
PB: I might have covered everything in the other questions but my connection to Carnevale is the fact that since being there I've made a lot of good friends and it has had a positive impact on my mental health. Being in costume allows me to be myself in a creative way. And if the costumes I wear and the photos I take gives others happiness then that for me is an accomplishment I'm happy to achieve.
Photo by Karlheinz Barner