Chasing Inspiration: Artists Across the World…

As a curious traveler, and someone always eager to follow my heart, I was driven by a desire to find a story to tell through my camera and perspective. Italy, a country of breathtaking beauty, has long been a muse for countless storytellers, photographers, and artists. With so much creative history embedded in its streets and landscapes, the last thing I wanted was to create something that felt a déjà vu. So, I trusted my instincts, picked up my camera, and joined my partner for the final week of his European music tour.

My partner and I met at the train station in Naples and then drove to his next gig at this town called Spello. With my internet connection failing me, I had no idea what to expect from this place. But as soon as we arrived, my instincts kicked in, and I couldn’t resist pulling my camera out of my bag to start shooting. I won’t lie to you – I had never been in a place so dreamy. Spello’s streets were enchanting, and every corner seemed to tell its own story. Across the street from the venue, an art gallery immediately caught my attention. Italian artists are renowned worldwide, so I couldn’t resist stepping inside. What greeted me was a world I didn’t yet understand but was eager to explore. I found myself captivated by the style and perspective of the paintings in front of me. And then, just as I was about to start photographing, a kind smile appeared in my frame, pulling me in even deeper.

“Hi there, I’m Tatiana,” I introduced myself. The man smiled back and replied in Italian; I could only understand that his name was Elvio. He didn’t speak English or Spanish, but he noticed my camera. I gestured toward it, asking with signs if I could photograph his studio. He understood and nodded yes. Time seemed to stand still as I wandered around, capturing his art studio and watching him work on one of his creations. At some point, he approached me and spoke in Italian. Though I couldn’t fully understand his words, the universal language of art bridged the gap between us. Elvio handed me a book with the title: “Strappi” that described his paintings, allowing me to better grasp his vision.

Elvio Marchionni, a local creator and the originator of a unique technique called “Strappi.”

Strappi is an art form born from his inner emotions and his deep connection to the old walls of rural farmhouses. By carefully scaffolding layers of these aged walls, Marchionni reveals hidden shapes and textures. In every crack, he discovers unseen images and transforms them into compelling works of art.

After I shared some of my photography artwork from my phone, Elvio invited me to come to his home, which was just across the street. The interior of the ancient stone house was filled with art, from the entrance to the ceilings, floors, and every corner. Dusty, unfinished, or newly started projects filled the space, inspiring me to capture every detail. This time, I didn’t ask for permission; I simply began taking photos of this magical art studio and home. By the time I finished, Elvio had already poured two glasses of wine. His kind gesture invited me to celebrate the encounter of two souls from different worlds, united by a shared passion for art. Cheers, saluti, salud…

I suddenly heard my partner Jacob calling me from the street. Elvio invited him to join us for a glass of wine as well. Jacob, like me, was amazed by the atmosphere. Elvio must have seen him earlier with his guitar at the venue across from his studio, as he handed Jacob an acoustic guitar. In that moment, our shared love for art united us, and no language was needed to understand one another.

Elvio listened intently as Jacob played, while I photographed the moment—a moment I wanted to preserve and shape, just as Elvio does with his artwork.

Witnessing Marchionni’s process and passion left me deeply inspired. It reminded me of why I fell in love with photography in the first place: the ability to uncover beauty and tell stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. My visit to Spello wasn’t just another stop on our journey; it was a moment of profound connection—to the place, the people, and the universal language of Art.