FAQ
I get a lot of inquiries and messages from people interested in my work, and while I enjoy hearing about projects and ideas, I don't always get to respond quickly. Here are some answers to the questions I get most frequently.
How did you start?
I have always liked drawing a lot, since I was a child, but the definitive approach to what has become my work came when I started working as a graphic designer, in 1978: purely manual work, daily use of paper for every type of project, development of .
Specifically, I made the first two works in 2005, during my stay in Spain: I wanted to embellish a couple of empty walls in the living room.
What kind of materials do you use?
I work exclusively with Favini papers, one of the most important companies in the sector worldwide. We started a close working relationship in early 2014, when I returned to Italy. Without knowing me, they received me in their headquarters, listened carefully to my artistic project and trusted me. I still remember with emotion that at the end of our meeting the product manager told me: "Make us a shopping list, from today our cards are yours!"
And then an infinity of pencils, cutters, cutting mats, markers, glues (vinyl, hot, spray, stick, cyanoacrylate, vinyl acetate), adhesive and double-sided adhesive tapes, lines, squares, laminil, caliber, special glasses for magnification and much more ...
Do you use technological / mechanical tools for the realization of your works?
I only use a vector graphics program to define the shapes and sizes of the works, especially those of cars. Once the paths have been printed, the rest of the process is exclusively manual: drawing, folding, curving, cutting, gluing and assembly. No lasers, dies, CAD / CAM, 3D printing, plotter or anything else.
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I would like to buy one of your pieces. What should I do?
You can write me using the form you find in the INFO / Contact section, or send me an email or contact me by phone.
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Are the works on the site all the ones you do or are there others?
Here there is practically everything produced up to mid-2021, but I also work a lot on assignment. I don't have a fixed "catalog" to choose from, often the birth of a work is the result of requests from the client and a subsequent very stimulating comparison.
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How much does one of your works cost?
Prices vary a lot between the cheapest and the most demanding: I can tell you that the most accessible works are those of the Pocket Hearts line, while among the most expensive there is for example the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, for which it took me 6 months!
In any case, what contributes to determining the value of a work is not only the time taken or the complexity, but a set of data that make up a formula: it is necessary to add up the dimensions (base x height x depth), the result it will then have to be multiplied by a coefficient , and finally multiplied by 10 again.
The artistic coefficient is determined by visibility (participation in exhibitions, fairs, auctions, international competitions, presence in the press and more). In short, a rather complex calculation!
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Are the pieces you produce unique or do you also make multiples?
Currently I only make one-of-a-kind pieces. Maybe one day I could change my mind, but until now I think that mass production involves considerable costs that could only be justified by ad hoc assignments, but first of all I still believe that the creation of multiples would distort the spirit on which I base my work. : uniqueness and total craftsmanship.
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Do you plan to use other materials in the future, in addition to paper?
I've been thinking about it for some time and I really like the idea, I have drawings and prototypes in the studio that could soon lead to a new series, but for the moment everything is still top-secret!
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What does your art mean? How do you characterize your work?
Analysis is the task of the viewer, not the artist. The artist asks questions, I'm not particularly interested in the answers. So, to characterize my works or explain their uniqueness, this is the work of others. My pieces are made with folded, cut and glued paper inspired by multiple sources (this is the "what").
The "what" is not the important question. The important questions are how / why?
I don't look at a specific thing and I do a piece with it. My work is not didactic, I am not trying to explain or present a specific idea in my pieces. I assume a viewer with limited knowledge of my work / process / intent. I want the work to remain without written explanation.
I'm not 100% interested in classification. My work is not easily enclosed in predefined categories. It doesn't look good under an umbrella.
From a philosophical point of view, I'm not entirely sure what is achieved by labeling and defining art. Most artists work in a non-linear fluid path and are omnivorous in terms of inspiration. I am wary of artists who seek inspiration only from people who work in similar fields. We have to "get out more"!
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Do you listen to music while you work?
Virtually always! Ironically I consider myself a failed musician, I have been playing keyboards for over 50 years and I love music, I couldn't imagine my life without it! Not only is she a great companion, but she is one of the main sources of inspiration for my work. It is no coincidence that two series of my works are named after Progressive Rock bands: Genesis and Big Big Train. The former have been an authentic legend for decades, the latter a fantastic current reality on a planetary level that I have been following with passion for several years. With some of the members - and hundreds of fans around the world - a wonderful relationship of friendship and collaboration has also been established!
If I buy a piece, how can I protect it from damage?
Some works need minimal and simple maintenance, their biggest enemy are dust and curious fingers. People always want to touch! Therefore often a duvet or a soft cloth will be sufficient, together with a nice sign placed next to the work with the words "DO NOT TOUCH!" :-) For other, more delicate ones, I suggest placing them in a custom-made display case, as you can see from some photos on the site.