Elena Palossi

Larghevedute

Wallpaper maker

©Larghevedute

Bringing sets to life

Elena decorated Casa Casuarina, in Miami
Every stage of her work is carried out by hand
Painting and drawing is part of the Italian cultural heritage

Elena Palossi is a set designer and set painter. Just after finishing her studies, she worked as an assistant to Giorgio Cristini, set designer of the famous Scala theatre in Milan. In 1992, she founded Larghevedute studio together with the painter and sculptor Paolo Larici, and they worked on the decorations of Casa Casuarina in Miami, owned by the fashion designer Gianni Versace. It began a long collaboration which led to the creation of important decorative projects in his houses all around the world. "All our paintings are unique and made on pure cellulose paper, non-woven paper or cotton canvas using classical painting techniques," says Elena, who has great experience in luxury design.

Interview

©Larghevedute

©Larghevedute

What is your educational background?: My grandfather was an artisan, too: he was a goldsmith, and I remember him working in his workshop. My path was different: I graduated in set design and started working very early with Giorgio Cristini, set designer and set director of the Scala theatre in Milan.
What are your sources of inspiration?: The biggest source of inspiration comes from the nature that surrounds us, like plants, leaves, flowers: all of these elements are reflected in our collection of patterns. I have a house in the Marche region, close to Mount Conero: I am often inspired by that special landscape.
What do you love most about your profession?: I would say starting from scratch each time. Planning a new artwork is like being reborn again into this world. We always try to make things better. That’s why I always fall in love with my last painting.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: With the advent of Internet, the world has truly become a global village. Now, our artworks - hand painted wallpapers, textiles and hand painted furnishing accessories - can be seen from all over the world: this is a significant difference.

Elena Palossi is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1989