(September 26, 2017) “Made in italy is creativity, originality and quality”, says Valentina D’amato, a young Sicilian textile designer. If browsing through a famous interior design magazine you will be attracted by cushions of fascinating colors and fantasies, it is very likely that they are realized by her. And it is through her art creations that she has made known and appreciated made in Italy in the world: from Jakarta to Singapore through America and Europe. In the years Valentina has continued her passion for decorating fabrics and crafting them through hand painting, making fabrics for furnishing accessories and fashion accessories. The result? Pillows, runner, centerpiece, tablecloths. And again, fashion accessories such as foulard/carré, scarves, stoles, twilly, gavroché, cloth belts: all unique and hand-painted pieces. Sources of inspiration for her decorations are art, architecture, music, cinema and nature. And above all her native Sicily: its colors, perfumes. Its traditions, its great beauty. And the search for the beautiful and tradition is what “moves” the young artisan who today with her brand “VD Valentina D’Amato Textile Designer” (www.valentinadamato.it, Facebook: VD decoration, Instagram: VD decoration) prepares for new adventures, and that from Vittoria, a town in the province of Ragusa, sends a message to young people: “Love art and tradition, chase your passions.”
Valentina, how do you become a textile designer?
I attended the Salvatore Fiume State Art Institute in Comiso in the Art of Textile section: my passion was born there. I graduated from Architecture at La Sapienza University in Rome. The faculty of architecture has contributed enormously to my training. The latter is fundamental, but I think the passion for what you do is the engine of everything.
You paint fully hand-painted fabrics for furnishing accessories and fashion accessories. What is more appreciated abroad?
The chromatic choice, the careful study of decorations. These often arise from studies of stylization starting from different subjects from the world of nature, architecture and my home country. Generally, they like creativity. Very much appreciated is the quality of the raw materials and the finishing: I make hand grafting for my foulards, for example. I also use only pure cotton and Italian silks that, of course, are unique in the world.
Today some of Your artistic creations are in Jakarta, exhibited in the art gallery of the city. What does this means to you?
It is a great satisfaction for me. My creations have been exhibited for a year and a half in Jakarta at ART 1 Gallery, then presented at the Art Fair in Singapore. I can tell I’m happy and satisfied with my path and the experiences so far. The visibility in Europe and America has come to fruition with the Madeinitaly channel for me and Amazon made italy.
Projects in the near future?
A few days ago I have delivered a collection of items from furnishing accessories and fashion accessories in Rome, at LE ARTIGIANE.IT. Owners Livia Carchella and Bruna Pietropaoli were the pioneers of artistic craftsmanship in 1999 in Italy (www.leartigiane.it). Since September, I have also been present on the WELLMADE platform, which allows you to discover the best craftsmen, evaluate their work and review the quality of their products. WELLMADE is a project of the Cologne Foundation of Art Crafts (www.wellmade.it).
What is Made in Italy, in Your opinion?
Made in Italy is the creativity, originality and quality of the final product. The Italian artist is distinguished by these features in all fields. And that is why it has been, is and will always be appreciated. ”