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Meet Renata Giannelli (Paper, light, and graphic artist)
Renata Giannelli, a Milan-born artist of handmade paper, graphic art and light sculptures, dances on the edge where craftsmanship meets poetry. Armed with a degree in Painting from the Polytechnic School of Design in Milan and the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna (class of '84, when shoulder pads were big and artistic dreams even bigger), Renata set out to reimagine the very fibres of creativity.
Her early foray into the world of publishing saw her sketching, designing, and sprinkling visual brilliance for prestigious Italian publishers like Nicola Milano and Hats. But something deeper was brewing—an obsession with paper, not just as a surface but as a soul.
By the late '80s, Renata plunged into the ancient-yet-ever-fresh world of handmade paper. Her experiments blossomed into the creation of Il Navile Graphic Editions, where art met meticulous craftsmanship. This wasn’t just paper; it was a canvas, a sculpture, a story. Her work earned her the Excellence Award from the Chamber of Commerce of Bologna in 2004—a shiny nod to her relentless pursuit of innovation.
In 2007, Renata waved goodbye to the business model and embraced a cultural revolution, turning her enterprise into a hub of artistic research. By 2013, she founded La Scuola della Carta—a school that transformed handmade paper into a superstar medium for creative expression. Accredited by the Academy of Fine Arts, the school became a melting pot for artists, students, and dreamers alike.
Fast-forward to 2020: Renata’s paper laboratory found a new home within the Social Cooperative Arti e Mestieri in Bologna, where art is not just for beauty but for healing. Paper therapy, anyone?
A Life Written in Paper and Light
Renata’s artistic escapades are nothing short of alchemical. Inspired by Carl Jung’s musings on transformation, she’s spent over four decades exploring the metaphysical interplay of matter, energy, and consciousness. Her creations, ranging from raw and visceral to serene and whispery, embody the spirit of creation.
In 2023, Renata unveiled Scarabocchio—a series of light sculptures where disparate materials collide and evolve, illuminated by light and steeped in symbolism. Each piece is a meditation on creativity, a glowing ode to the art of becoming.
Not Just an Artist, but a Trailblazer
From coordinating workshops for CARTE DIEM to serving as the Art Director of the BO it! International Illustration Competition, Renata’s impact extends far beyond her own studio. Whether designing museum-worthy merchandising for Italy’s finest galleries or crafting bespoke collections for Top Art, she continues to shape the conversation around art, paper, and design.
Renata Gianelli is more than an artist; she’s a paper alchemist, a creative philosopher, and a beacon for those who dare to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
A delve into Renata Giannelli's work
Watch our interview on Spotify >
Introduction of Renata Giannelli
Renata joined from Bologna, Italy.
Mark Walmsley shared his admiration for her light sculptures.
Showcasing of Renata's Work
Mark displayed various pieces from Renata's portfolio, including:
Sculptures like the "mermaid dress" and other light-based works.
Hats, jackets, and wearable art.
Paintings and framed art pieces.
Renata explained her artistic process, particularly her use of wire and handmade paper to create sculptures. She described this combination as blending opposites to create something new.
Discussion of Specific Pieces
Mark and Renata talked about:
The creative inspirations and materials behind the "Scarabocchio" collection.
The interplay of light, structure, and material in her work.
How certain pieces, like the mermaid dress, evoke dual interpretations (e.g., bust and tail designs).
Renata described how her framed works merged painting and sculpture, featuring repetitive text symbolising obsessive thoughts.
Artistic Philosophy:
Renata elaborated on the symbolic aspects of her work, especially her focus on blending hard (wire) and soft (paper) materials to evoke organic, yet structured designs.
Interactive Elements
Mark praised specific pieces for their clever use of light and absence of material.
Renata highlighted how her creations could be displayed, including packaging details and certificates of authenticity.
Future Directions
Mark hinted at the versatility of Renata's framed works as triptychs and their storytelling potential. Renata shared the themes behind her new collections, including ideas of obsession and repetition. It was a vibrant meeting, blending artistic appreciation, detailed insights into Renata's creative process, and a showcase of her evolving body of work.
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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