DISCUSSIONS WITH | 3 MINUTE READ
LUCA BORNOFFI: NEW INSPIRATIONS & THE ONE SOCK STORY
As part of our ongoing ‘Discussions With’ series, Mia Kitsinis, Design Director at Accouter interviewed Luca Bornoffi, Italian artisan about his inspiration since lockdown, why you shouldn’t be afraid to work with colour and his latest collaboration with ‘The One Sock Story’ charity project supporting Neuroblastoma UK and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
PROFILE GLIMPSE
Luca Bornoffi, born in Mantua in 1980 grew up in the countryside. He is an artist, entrepreneur, traveller and explorer inspired by waves. After various vacations overseas, Bornoffi graduated with a degree in Science and Agricultural Technology and Interior Design, even though his genuine passion was and remains with art, travelling, hospitality eco-design.
Luca began to think more frequently about striking colours, pushed by the idea that some of these could somehow instil exhilaration, light-heartedness, escapism and well-being…and with all these notions he decides to begin conveying all his concepts on canvas. And it is in this way his artistic journey began, completely instinctive where through his work he tries to express the imperfections of life utilizing colours as the ideological source of serenity and joy.
“Ever since my younger days in school, I often found myself sketching abstract images with whatever I could get my hands on.”
– LUCA BORNOFFI, ARTIST.
CREATING A NEW SIGNATURE STYLE
“I grew up on a farm in between horses, in a wild environment and for me, it's very important to be surrounded by colour all the time. We often forget where colours originate from, especially within nature. When you observe nature, you see this truly amazing colour and you wonder how it's possible to create such a strong colour. My biggest inspiration for me and also my art was when I started to work with more geometric styles in my artwork. I more recently switched into circles, because circles can represent different things. For me. I say they represent the core of life, where we come from and they represent connection. They represent coincidences life the imperfections of life.
For now, I am also trying to experiment with new techniques. My next step is what I'm working on now especially during COVID-19, is to try to focus more on materials and try new techniques in my painting. I recently collected pollen from the flowers and used the pigment from this in my recent work.”
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
In honour of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2020, Accouter wanted to share a very important story. Accouter, Co-Founder, Stella Gittins was left devasated when in January 2019 she was told, Willow, her 6-month-old, a ‘healthy, happy and normal’ baby had a tumour. Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer which affects around 100 children in the UK each year.
Neuroblastoma can be devastating; it is usually treated with chemotherapy but in many cases unresponsive to current treatments. Yet some babies can fight off the disease without medical help, even after it has spread ... An incredible phenomenon.
Stella spent the next few months in and out of hospital simply establishing what stage their baby was at, clinging on to the hope that they would be one of the estimated 15% who are told that the cancer would be self-curing with no treatment. In one year, Willow’s tumours had almost dissolved naturally without treatment and her future is looking very promising.
Neuroblastoma UK is a small national charity, dedicated to finding a cure for neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer.
The One Sock Artist project is an inspiring collective of established and emerging artists supporting Neuroblastoma UK and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The exclusive limited-edition t-shirts, feature designs based on our powerful phrases, created by a notable line-up and help fight childhood cancer this September.
With over 40 designs to choose from created by nine leading artists including Luca Bornoffi and Nat Bowen- there is a design for everyone. 100% of all profits will be donated to Neuroblastoma UK to help fund vital research for this devastating disease.
For more information about The One Sock Story and the artist line-up click here and show your support.