From Foundations to Mastery: The Early Years
Stefano Casati‘s journey into the world of art began with an innate passion for drawing that was evident from his childhood. His talent and dedication led him to attend an art institute, providing a solid foundation for his future career. In 1997, a pivotal moment occurred when he secured an apprenticeship at “The Art of Restoration,” a renowned establishment where he honed his skills in conserving and restoring frescoes and decorations in historical landmarks across Lombardy, Northern Italy. This experience was transformative, equipping him with the meticulous techniques and profound respect for historical artworks that would shape his artistic approach.
During these formative years, Casati immersed himself in the intricate and demanding field of restoration. The precision and care required in this work deeply influenced his transition to freelancing in 2004. Embracing the challenges of freelancing, he continued to specialize in restoration and decoration, extending his services to Italy, Switzerland, and France. This period was marked by exploration and growth, as each project enriched his artistic repertoire and allowed him to experiment with various styles and techniques, broadening his creative horizons.
Casati’s classical training and extensive experience in restoration laid a unique foundation for his later work. The discipline and attention to detail he developed during these years became integral to his artistic identity. As he ventured into new territories, these skills enabled him to blend traditional techniques with contemporary visions, creating a distinctive and evocative body of work that resonates with both historical depth and modern sensibility.
Stefano Casati: Embracing Abstract Art
In 2017, Stefano Casati experienced a significant shift in his artistic journey with the discovery of abstract art. This newfound passion marked a pivotal evolution in his career, allowing him to transcend the boundaries of classical training and explore uncharted realms of creativity. Abstract art provided a liberating platform for Casati to merge classical techniques with contemporary visions, resulting in works that are rich in dramatic events yet exude a luminous essence. This transformation reflects a convergence of his extensive background in restoration and his innovative approach to modern art.
Casati’s transition to abstract art was driven by a desire to evoke a wide range of emotions through his paintings. He pours his myriad feelings into each piece, aiming to create a profound emotional connection with viewers. Interestingly, he often discovers new dimensions of his work through others’ interpretations, finding this exchange deeply rewarding. His style is characterized by a balance of dramatic intensity and a sense of lightness, mirroring his classical background while embracing contemporary influences.
The shift to abstract art also marked a change in Casati’s creative process. His approach became more spontaneous, allowing for organic development on the canvas. Inspired by colors, brushes, and even the music he listens to, Casati starts painting without a clear idea of the final outcome, letting the artwork guide him to completion. This method fosters a dynamic and fluid creative process, where the final piece is a product of both intention and intuition, reflecting his artistic evolution.
A Unique Creative Process
Stefano Casati’s creative process is as captivating as his art. He describes it as spontaneous and organic, often standing before a blank canvas and letting inspiration take the lead. Whether it’s the colors, brushes, or the music playing in the background, these elements guide his hand, allowing the artwork to evolve naturally. This approach ensures that each piece is unique and infused with a raw, unfiltered expression of his emotions and experiences. Casati rarely titles his works, preferring to leave them open to interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with them on a personal level.
Influences on Casati’s work are broad and varied, though he maintains a certain distance from specific models or inspirations while painting. He admires many artists and their aesthetic languages but strives to let his imagination dominate his creative process. The images that emerge on his canvas are often rooted in memories or sensations, materialized in a sincere and personal manner. This introspective approach allows him to create art that is deeply personal yet universally resonant.
Casati is continually seeking new ways to innovate and evolve his art. He experiments with new techniques and different types of canvases, aiming to infuse his works with a rawer and more minimal look. This ongoing journey of discovery and self-challenge keeps his art fresh and dynamic, reflecting his commitment to growth and exploration. His relentless pursuit of innovation ensures that his artistic evolution is never stagnant, always moving towards new horizons.
Stefano Casati: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Stefano Casati’s work is a harmonious blend of classical training and contemporary innovation. His background in restoration is evident in his abstract pieces, where traditional techniques meet modern vision. This balance is a defining characteristic of his art, creating a unique dynamic that sets his work apart. When he paints, Casati’s vision is modern and contemporary, but the balance, perspective, and proportion are deeply rooted in his classical training, resulting in art that is both innovative and grounded in tradition.
The impact of the pandemic on Casati’s work has been profound. Like many artists, he found himself confronting new social dynamics and reconsidering the balance between individual autonomy and collective good. During this challenging time, art became a refuge for him, a way to express emotions and maintain a sense of autonomy amidst restrictions. Each piece created during this period is infused with the challenges and emotions experienced globally, reflecting a shared journey through unprecedented times.
Looking forward, Casati remains excited about the future and the endless possibilities it holds for his art. He is always on the lookout for new gestures, colors, or techniques to explore, ensuring his artistic evolution remains vibrant and dynamic. His current experiments with new techniques and different types of canvases aim to give his works a rawer and more minimal look. This relentless pursuit of innovation and self-challenge keeps his art alive and evolving, promising a future filled with fresh, inspiring creations.