Often the best things about Venice are the surprises that come when you are lucky enough to get a peek behind a closed door. I'd say one of those was the day I was invited to meet Arianna Sautariello at her studio tucked back in a far corner of Cannaregio, not far from the Church of Maddonna dell'Orto.
Arianna is the creative genius of Plum Plum Creations, her endeavor to share her original engravings, drawings, paintings, photographs, and sculptures. I'd seen a watercolor of hers and was so intrigued by it I couldn't wait to meet this talented artist. Arianna and her husband Nicolo graciously spent time explaining the techniques Arianna uses and the complexities of her work while Arianna demonstrated her print making.
The first engraving she showed me was a commissioned creation for a local hotel. She starts with a hand drawn detailed sketch, which is then transferred to a piece of metal (copperplate) upon which she etches the drawing line by line. Arianna still uses the printing techniques of the 1500's called calcografia.
While we surround ourselves with modern technology every day, stepping into Arianna's studio is like taking a step back in time. She's preserving an old art form while she uses it to express what she sees and feels in current day Venice.
Arianna's paintings and etching capture all the architectural elements of Venice in fine detail, and yet they also exhibit her unique style.
Next time you are in Venice, take a walk in one of the lesser known neighborhoods to meet one of Venice's special artisans. Instead of taking home a mass produced mask for a souvenir, consider purchasing one of Arianna's engravings or watercolors. These also the make perfect gifts for someone you know who loves Venice.
You can tour Arianna's studio with her and see first hand how she creates her beautiful engravings. Please see her website at Plum Plum Creations for more information or to purchase any of her marvelous creations for yourself.
Grazie, Arianna!
Arianna is the creative genius of Plum Plum Creations, her endeavor to share her original engravings, drawings, paintings, photographs, and sculptures. I'd seen a watercolor of hers and was so intrigued by it I couldn't wait to meet this talented artist. Arianna and her husband Nicolo graciously spent time explaining the techniques Arianna uses and the complexities of her work while Arianna demonstrated her print making.
The first engraving she showed me was a commissioned creation for a local hotel. She starts with a hand drawn detailed sketch, which is then transferred to a piece of metal (copperplate) upon which she etches the drawing line by line. Arianna still uses the printing techniques of the 1500's called calcografia.
While we surround ourselves with modern technology every day, stepping into Arianna's studio is like taking a step back in time. She's preserving an old art form while she uses it to express what she sees and feels in current day Venice.
Arianna at work
A look at the printing process - each print done individually.
A finished etching
Watercolors of Venice
Arianna's paintings and etching capture all the architectural elements of Venice in fine detail, and yet they also exhibit her unique style.
Next time you are in Venice, take a walk in one of the lesser known neighborhoods to meet one of Venice's special artisans. Instead of taking home a mass produced mask for a souvenir, consider purchasing one of Arianna's engravings or watercolors. These also the make perfect gifts for someone you know who loves Venice.
You can tour Arianna's studio with her and see first hand how she creates her beautiful engravings. Please see her website at Plum Plum Creations for more information or to purchase any of her marvelous creations for yourself.
Grazie, Arianna!
