Artist Pierpaolo Catini uses stones, recycled objects and even bones to create highly textured, 3D sculptural paintings. See more of his portfolio by visiting his website.
Artist Pierpaolo Catini in studio working on a Spider Man Sculpture
I am Pierpaolo Catini, an Italian artist based in New York City. I was born in a family that have been ceramists for generations; this was an huge influence on the work I do today. I love working with clay, but oils are also one of my favorite mediums.
“After the Rain” (MateriCatini Series) Plastic, Wire, Wood, Stones and Found Objects on Canvas, 20″ x 16″
In my creative journey, I felt the need to create a thick surface in my artworks, something material that people can feel and touch. I started experimenting with many materials to create that effect such as plaster, stucco, gesso and resin. I painted landscapes in Italy using my memories for inspiration.
“Piccolo Villaggio” (MateriCatini Series) Stones, Stucco and Acrylic on Canvas, 10″ x 8″
I painted ancient houses, countries, roofs, lakes, rivers, clouds and mountains with brilliant colors and modern shapes.
“On the River” (MateriCatini Series) Stones, Plaster and Oils on Canvas, 20″ x 24″
It wasn’t enough to use only stones and plaster to create the texture I was looking for, so I mixed recycled objects into the base to create thicker and thicker textures.
“Red Roof by the Lake” (MaderiCatini Series) Mixed Media on Canvas, 30″ x 24″
Using a play on words with my surname, in 2015 I created the MateriCatini series, because my motto is Matter is Art (la materia e’ arte). The paintings in my series of village landscapes (MateriCatini) have an average size of 16“ x 20.“ They are painted on canvas and are usually framed.
“Jesus” (Sculpainting Series) Wire, Fishbones, Stones, Wood, Oils and Acrylic on Canvas, 9″ x 11″
I became inspired anew when I began using stones and bones that have an unusual shape in my art. I enjoy building characters using these materials. I also continue to use clay for the details, as well as all kinds of fascinating recyclable objects I might find in my home or outside.
“Vincent” (Sculpainting Series) Pipe, Stones, Bones, Plastic Eyes, Clay, Glue, Acrylics and Oils on Canvas, 9″ x 11″
I call this evolution in my artwork ʺSculPaintings.“ Most of these are framed portraits on canvas that are 9“ x 11″. It’s a sculpture and it’s a painting—it’s thick, it’s 3D and it’s on canvas, framed and ready for the wall. The colors I use are brilliant and pure. I use mostly oils, but also acrylic and gouache which I mix with glue and nail polish which I love for the very glossy and thick finish it creates.
“The Guitarist Funky & Colors” (Sculpainting Series) Clay, Shells, Plastic, Stones and Acrylic on Canvas, 9″ x 11″
You can find everything in one piece of art (although you have to take a really close look to try and figure out what objects I have used.) I use plastic, wood, bones, stones, as well as doll’s eyes, which give life to some of my characters, such as the Chef, Sailor, Gypsy, Performer, Gentleman, Warrior, and Cowboy.
“The Sailor Stones & Bones” (Sculpainting Series) Clay, Stones, Bones, Wood, Camera Lens, Plastic, Iron and Acrylics on Canvas, 9″ x 11″
The first in this series was ʺThe Sailor Stones & Bones.“ I kept using the idea to give each of the artworks in this series two names. He has turkey bones and beef bones (which I boiled, cleaned and painted), stones, an old lens for phone that I used as an eye (it wasn’t working anymore anyway!) and a metallic web (which reminded me of a fisherman‘s net). I also used clay to form the little hat and the corncob pipe.
“The Warrior Indian & Mohican” (Sculpainting Series) Clay, Wire, Brushes, Plastic, Pipe Cleaners, Stones, Oils and Acrylic on Canvas, 9″ x 11″
I truly believe that we live in a period where it is important to not waste anything, so I found ways to recycle things and give them a new colorful life.
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