Maria Vello, the portrait of a true artist inspired by passion
Maria Vello lives in Cefalù. She is an eclectic artist and fashion creator, she designs garments and accessories, paints on canvas and fabric, and her paintings are often used to decorate fashion items. Not just ordinary garments but works of art. Her style enhances and highlights the beauty and femininity of all women. She has participated in and organized several fashion shows gaining considerable success and recognition. In addition, she is a founding member of the Cefalù Città degli Artisti Association, chaired by Roberto Giacchino. Sicilian Secrets interviewed her.
Q: Maria Vello, the portrait of a true artist: painter, fashion designer…how did you discover these talents that later became your passion?
A: I discovered this talent by starting to paint on fabric, making trousseaus. Later I was also attracted by the world of fashion and attended several training courses (cutting, sewing and fashion designer)…from that moment it became my great passion!
Q: What is the creative process that accompanies the creation of a dress?
A: The creative process when I make a dress starts with the choice of fabric. The first breath is all there, it is the basis for then proceeding to the second stage, which is the making of the paper pattern.
Q: You do not sell your fashion items and, more importantly, you consider them to be real works of art: so what is the concept behind your activity as a fashion designer?
A: Being a fashion designer is not an activity that I pursue for profit. Moreover, I consider each collection a different moment of my creative experience, each with its own story and experience. Each dress has its own personality and is unique in its own way.
Q: When you create a work – both paintings or something else – what do you take inspiration from?
A: I always let myself be guided by the elegance and beauty around everything around us. I don’t think there is anything more natural to be inspired by. It is the magic of creativity…
Q: Maria Vello and Sicily: in your role as an artist, how much does the connection with your native island influence your creative process?
A: Of course, our Sicily is rich in colors, works of art, traditions and so on. For that reason, inspiration arises spontaneously, simply by opening my eyes and grasping all special things our island has to offer. We only need to know how to catch it!
Q: Is there a place in Sicily that touches your soul in your work as an artist?
A: I live in Cefalù, a place loved both by those who stay there year-round and by all the tourists who come here on vacation every year. In my opinion, it is a place that really steals your heart, an unquestionable source of inspiration for all the artists who live there and also for those who come from other places.
Q: Let’s look to the future: after the fashion show in Cefalù happened last summer and your participation in the Simposio d’Arte, do you already have any other upcoming projects?
A: I don’t like to plan for the future, I prefer to seize what happens in the present time. May the fate roll the dice , and then…we’ll see.
Q: Lastly, leaving some room for dreams…is there a wish you as an artist would like to make true?
A: I have a dream…I would like to start a training school for sewing class because in my opinion it could become a job opportunity for many young people. Here, this is the future I believe in and would like to invest in.
