Developing a love for art doesn’t have to begin in a glorious and majestic way.
It can start with a school suspension. And it can also start with adding your own touch to a beautiful sculpture of Venus, goddess of love and beauty… by adding a large penis.
This is how it all began for Gian Piero Franchi, a great “Scottalian” (half Scottish, half Italian) artist.
“Art is a love-hate relationship. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. But it always moves forward.”
His biggest decision to pursue his dream was to opt out of any average career in order to attend art school.
The main artistic movement that inspired and influenced him was Arte Povera, with artists such as Yves Kline, Fontana, Fabro, and Manzone.
So, what does “earth art” mean?
It means we’re a part of an “everything”. This is why we should never be afraid to try out new things – we have the freedom to express ourselves any way we choose.
“I’m not afraid to meet the future with a smile and a wink.”
One of his greatest exhibitions was his Degree Show, which really managed to stand out!
A 14-foot trampoline was suspended from a ceiling, along with the second work in the “VS the Gallery” series.
It was considered too dangerous.
Which meant that he was the first student in history to get 1st class honors without being allowed to show the associated work.
“I am what I am, I am what I see, I am what I hear, I am what I felt, smelled and tasted”
Franchi also had the privilege to show his work at the Peacocks Visual Arts Centre in Berdeen, where he and other artists hosted the CXXX show.
And winning the Fred Bushe Award for sculpture and an emerging artist award, Gian Piero is making his way up into the artistic sky.
He also hosted a show in Prague, Czech Republic, where he shared with the audience the famous work of Vaclav Myslbek, the creator of almost all the sculptures in the city.
“My work is based around ideas; I tie myself to no material but that of the mind…”
“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my ship.”
Follow his amazing work in this Facebook page and web page.
Keep rolling till you find something you love….
