Edda’s place [Parma, 2015]

My paternal grandmother had an artistic streak. She wasn’t ware of it but I was. Even though she never fulfilled it, this would pop out, from time to time. One of her passions was going to the cinema (where she would cry if the movie was moving or captivating), she was a narrator (actually she was a chatterbox!) and she also knew how “to play the part” that suited her best. I would often go at her’s for a coffee and a chat and now that she is gone, I am glad to have photographed her several times and also details of her flat, from which a piece of her soul emerges.

Adele & Cloe in The Old West [Parma, 2015]

I love taking pictures of Adele & Cloe (who are now teenagers!) since when they were little. I felt that by observing them, they would teach me something. They were bright, bursting with energy (like any healthy child) and they actually displayed different personalities but with commonalities. I believe that they have both enjoyed posing in front of my lens, of course with the presence of their mom Alice. On this occasion the “serious part” of the photo-shoot got a little out of hand and we ended up playing The Old West. They did great by holding the scene and, despite the obvious laughs, they really put themselves in the role!

Lorenzo [Parma, 2015]

“I bury my head in the pillow, and dream of my true love…
I am rowing to you on the great, dark ocean” – Caravaggio

Maria introduced me to her friend Lorenzo who was an approachable and sensitive person with an artistic side. At the time I was a “black backdrop-addict” (I liked the sense of mystery, inevitability, and of contrast that it would give off). Don’t ask me how I connected Lorenzo to Caravaggio (When they say: “Dream big!” But, perhaps, it was for the intensity of his gaze and personality), so I organized a shoot trying to emulate Caravaggesque overtones. The main themes were silent movement and psychological introspection. Thank you, Lorenzo, for posing for me!

Edda [Parma, 2015]

A few facts that I would like to share about this photo shoot:

  • The subject is my granny (who was 84 years old at the time);
  • She was real happy to pose for me! She always had an artistic side that unfortunately she never exploited (she could have been a stage actress);
  • I took this portraits serie in her kitchen;
  • I did her make-up;
  • The cowboy hat belonged to my cousin

Enjoy these well studied shots that represent a loving memory for myself and our family. Granny, now that you’re in heaven, thanks for having been a star!

Margherita [Casalbaroncolo, 2015]

I have known Margaret since she was a baby. This portrait of her is from a session of 2015, when she was 13 years old. Adolescence is an dense, disruptively brief and confusing period in our lives even though this time didn’t really upset her, as she always has had a peace loving nature and you can see it in her eyes (but hey, don’t forget that this tough cookie knows what she wants)!