At Torre Mileto I was surprised by a multitude of olive trees. These weren't the usual olive trees you seen in Bari, which are Apulian olive trees, nor like the ones in Brindisi or Foggia, even though they are fairly gnarled. I saw transfigured trees, I saw trees that had almost taken on a human appearance, full of suffering. These olive trees emanate feelings of rebellion, despair, great strength and a will to survive. Why are they in this state? It's because of the cross wind that blows there for nine months out of twelve. They have to endure this constant lashing by the wind and the salt air. Some bend down so low they scrape the ground, as if they were crawling.
(Mario Lupo - "Story of life, story of painting”)