Italian Fashion : Giuseppe Armani

Giuseppe Armani: Creator of Masterpieces

Giuseppe Armani was born in Calci, Italy in 1935. Known as "Bebe" to his family, he drew everything in sight from the time he began to use a pencil. His parents recognized the fact that their son had been born with a great talent, due to his attention to fine detail at such a young age.

Giuseppe continued to create and entered one of his classically inspired sculptures in an exhibition of young people's art that was organized by a local priest. The work, a sculpture of a man's torso, was exquisite. All who attended appreciated the talent of its sculptor. When it was seen by the curator of the Art Gallery in Pisa, Giuseppe's talent was finally realized. He was at once offered a permanent position at the Gallery, which he readily accepted.

Pisa, in the heart of Tuscany, and the Art Gallery was stuff dreams were made of for Giuseppe. He began to study the masterpieces of the Renaissance. He traveled to Florence and Siena and began to perfect his own style. He soon realized that he could sculpt in a three dimensional style. He put his heart, soul and character into his sculptures and began to use a variety of mediums, including alabaster, clay, marble and wood. Giuseppe's reputation grew with each exquisite work he produced. His pieces were alluring and held a spark of life. Art admirers and collectors world wide descended on the Gallery in order to see his most recent work.

The Florence Sculture d' Arte recognized that Giuseppe was a genius and encouraged him to join their establishment where he would be allowed free expression in his works. Giuseppe accepted the position and joined the Sculture d' Arte in 1975. He remained there for over twenty years. His creations ranged from the traditional Capodimonte style to more contemporary fanciful sculptures. Each new piece he created seemed to have a surreal realism sculpted deep inside. His creations were magnificent.

In an interview, Giuseppe described his formula: "Although I consider myself a direct descendant of the Renaissance heritage, I believe that an artist has to follow his own evolution and not solely be a ruminant of the past, as glorious as it may have been. An artist conducts a search that may lead him far out in exploring new areas of interest. I continually search to discover new and better means of expression."

Giuseppe's most successful year was 1996, when he presented his sculpture, Madonna with Child and Young Saint John, to Pope Paul II. The same year in September, he was given a private two hour tour of the White House and presented then President Bill Clinton with his work, Wild Hearts. Another great honor that year was when he was voted Artist of the Year by the National Association of Limited Edition Dealers (N.A.L.E.D.) At the time, the Association also recognized him as a graphic artist.

In 1998, Giuseppe was honored once again by N.A.L.E.D, when he was presented the Award of Excellence for his 1996 masterpiece, Aurora.

Giuseppe Armani is a master who creates masterpieces. He's accomplished much in his lifetime and will continue to create for the rest of his life.

By Mary M. Alward