Centuries of fabric and textile
- Domenico carries a centuries-old family legacy through his craft and teaching
- He creates fabrics made entirely of gold or silver thread to be used on many different objects
- His designs are deeply inspired by his roots in San Giovanni in Fiore
Domenico Caruso inherited his love for weaving and textiles from his family, whose legacy dates back to the 1400s. With a deep attachment to his roots in San Giovanni in Fiore in Italy, Domenico creates tapestries, carpets and fabrics that are used to make furnishings, clothing, bags and jewellery. He uses natural fibres, such as broom, silk, linen, cotton and wool. "I focus on themes inspired by the works of Gioacchino da Fiore and the great painters of the 20th century. I like to use a range of techniques, from traditional Calabrian weaving to more recent and unique innovations", he says. He is one of the rare textile artists to have created a fabric made entirely of gold or silver thread, both warp and weft. Domenico's textiles have been chosen by renowned names, such as Tom Ford and Armani, and he has collaborated with contemporary artists, such as Mimmo Rotella.
Interview
- Why did you choose weaving?
- Weaving is part of a family tradition dating back to the 1400s. We still have ancient documents, textile finds and even machinery from back then. It is important to me to preserve this legacy while keeping in mind the need for innovation. I also teach this craft and oversee several students' training in my role as an artistic director.
- What inspires your creativity?
- I am mainly inspired by beauty – whether I find it in art, cinema, music or nature. I also find inspiration while painting, sculpting, teaching art history and having discussions with visitors and customers. A lot of my ideas are born at night or while driving during long journeys.
- What distinguishes your work?
- The tapestries I dedicated to the work of Gioacchino da Fiore are certainly notable, but there is one particular piece that has remained particularly close to my heart. It is an altar stole for a chapel in Tuscany open to people of all faiths. I find it to be an important message of union and brotherhood.
- What is a memorable moment from your practice?
- Stimulated by the Great Jubilee, at the turn of two millennia, I created an artwork that transformed my practice. I reproduced some plates taken from 'Liber Figurarum' by Gioacchino da Fiore in fabric, which I then donated to Pope John Paul II. The work featured 2,500,000 knots per square metre and was made in silk.
Domenico Caruso is a master artisan: he began his career in 1989 and he started teaching in 1990
Where
Domenico Caruso
