Venice has a grand and well-known heritage of craftsmen - 'gli artigiani'. The spectacular glasswork of Murano, and the seductive and intimidating masks, 'le maschere', eternal symbols of 'Carnevale', are some examples. But the city is just as proud of an equally long-standing tradition of fine art - 'le belle arti'.

Living in the shadow of such a great heritage can be a source of great inspiration for artists. For sculptor Livio de Marchi, this inspiration was strong, leading him to create witty pieces of wooden sculpture that capture the carnival spirit of Venice. Artists who draw on the city's more enigmatic and decadent aspects often overlook the irony and fun of the carnival. But de Marchi, who grew up here and studied at the city's acclaimed Accademia di Belle Arti, gives full expression to the mischievous spirit that also simmers below the city's surface.

His studio is strewn with everyday objects and images: a raincoat hung from a peg, a half open overnight bag, a bra hanging form a washing line, a woman taking a shower. And each of these is made entirely from wood, carved completely by hand. Although Livio started his career using the more traditional materials of marble and bronze, he now works almost exclusively in wood, citing the vitality and responsiveness of the material for this dramatic choice.

And as a final touch outside the studio in a nearby 'garage' Livio keeps what may be the only car in Venice. Like his giant floating clog he created, carrying up to 16 oarsmen through the waters of Venice, he has also recently carved himself a full size Volkswagen beetle. The car, equipped it with a real, working motor, 'drives' him along the canals of his beloved city, bringing smiles to the faces of all who see him.

Livio de Marchi
Check out de Marchi's works in his virtual museum.

Zeroland decorative arts
An international directory of art and craft sites on the web that includes links to information on masks, lace, glass and woodcrafts.