8. Can you tell us something about yourself
that the people will be surprised to hear?
If I had the choice, I would spend my life gardening, sculpting, in a remote corner of Tuscany with my wife, without a phone, with a sketchbook and Indian ink.
9. According to you, why is it important to have art at home?
It is important to have art at home because a painting does not simply decorate a wall, it makes us ponder, it is a new discovery each time we look at it. A detail that we didn’t take notice of before. It triggers joy, makes us think. When we go to the museum, we could spend hours gazing at a painting that we like. We wonder what inspired the artist, if this scene is part of his life and it slowly turns into a moment based on sharing. The same happens with a sculpture, you can touch the shapes, soak up the texture, feel an emotion, that's essential!
10. An anecdote you would like to share?
A few years ago, I was invited to do an exhibition in Japan, in Tokyo, by an art dealer whom I really respect, and I remember fondly. I reached the viewing; my paintings were hung. There were 8 very dedicated and kind salespeople in the booth. I went for a walk to visit the other stands and I was amazed to see myself surrounded by great masters like, Picasso, Warhol, Basquiat, Keith Haring, Hopper, Du Buffet, David Hockney, Dali, Munch, Klimt, great Japanese masters. I was blown away, a unique experience that only confirmed that no one is a prophet in their own country.