Meet Marcello
Marcello is an artist whose journey is deeply intertwined with the enchanting village of Castelli. Born on February 18, 1982, in Giulianova, he spent his entire life in Castelli until the second earthquake of 2016. After his family home was deemed unsafe, he moved just outside the village.
Family and Roots
Marcello’s artistic roots run deep within his family. His father, a gifted blacksmith, began assisting ceramists with their tools and eventually crafted specialized instruments for local workshops. He also expanded into selling colors to artists and workshops in the region. Marcello’s mother was a seamstress, adding another layer of creativity to his upbringing. They lived on Via Carmine Gentile, the medieval entrance of Castelli, a vibrant street filled with life, art, and camaraderie, where everyone looked out for one another, creating a close-knit community.
Life in Castelli
Growing up in Castelli, Marcello was surrounded by art and beauty. He cherishes the village as a place where the entire community thrived through creativity. The rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes of Castelli have profoundly shaped his artistic style, even though he identifies more as a technician than a painter. His love for working with clay has been a driving force behind his creations.
Art and Creativity
For Marcello, art is a world of technicality, encompassing chemistry, geometry, and math. It’s a fusion of science and art, and his fascination with these elements has been nurtured by exceptional teachers in art history and the Italian language. The process of creating art engrosses him, keeping him focused on the pursuit of perfection.
Other Joys and Interests
Beyond art, Marcello is passionate about soccer and cooking, often enjoying these activities with friends. They offer him a break from the workshop and a chance to connect with others.
Musical Tastes
While working in his studio, Marcello immerses himself in the melodies of Italian cantautori like Lucio Dalla, Pino Daniele, Lucio Battisti, Fabrizio De André, and Francesco de Gregori. He prefers a quiet environment to maintain his concentration.
Favorite Dish
In Castelli, his favorite dishes include Tacconelle colle voliche (fresh pasta with wild spinach) as the main course, and for dessert, he enjoys fritti di latte and pizza dolce, a typical Castellan cake or almond cream. Marcello has a sweet tooth.
Creative Routines
Marcello's creative process begins early, around 4 am, when he finds solitude and maximum productivity. This uninterrupted time in his workshop helps him concentrate. To overcome creative blocks or challenges, he turns to nature, taking strolls in the mountains, going fishing, or playing soccer to refresh his mind.
Morning Rituals
A typical morning for Marcello includes an espresso before leaving the house. At 6 am, he heads to a nearby café for his second coffee, accompanied by a cigarette and a brioche with marmalade.
Inspirations and Influences
Marcello draws inspiration from elements of light and water, which he incorporates into his work through colors, forms, and objects. The school teachers from the 1950s and 60s in Castelli left an indelible mark on him with their open-minded approach.
Artistic Achievements
In 2018, Marcello achieved a significant milestone by winning the "Art in Act" award. He is regularly invited by foundations to submit his art for competitions.
Future Aspirations
Marcello’s future goals are simple yet profound. He aims to continually improve his craft and is particularly keen on illuminating ceramics through his unique lamp designs.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
To aspiring artists, Marcello advises persistence and freedom from rigid structures. He emphasizes the importance of making mistakes and learning from them.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, Marcello reminds us that life follows its own course and can lead us to unexpected places. His artistic journey is a testament to this truth. To connect with Marcello and view his exquisite artwork, reach out through his preferred channels. As a dedicated artist, Marcello embodies the beauty and creative spirit of Castelli. His work is a testament to the deep connections that art fosters within a community, and his commitment to mastering his craft serves as an inspiration for all aspiring artists.
Respecting the artist’s privacy, he has chosen not to disclose his last name.
Words and photography by Nadia Whitehurst