Andrea Gandini

Wood sculptor

©Liva Fabiani

©Agnese D'Angelo

The face hiding within the tree trunk

Andrea carves tree trunks into sculptures, often leaving them in situ outdoors
His art captivates people, sparking curiosity and fascination
Inspired by Michelangelo's vision, his approach is about revealing hidden forms

It all started with an abandoned tree trunk on a quiet street in Rome. Armed with little more than a chisel and his vision, Andrea Gandini transformed the trunk into a stunning sculpture, captivating passers-by and beginning his artistic journey, at the intersection of street art, environmental activism, and craftsmanship. His wooden sculptures, crafted from dead and aged wood, now grace public spaces across Italy, each telling a unique story of renewal and resilience. Inspired by Michelangelo's philosophy of revealing hidden forms within raw materials, Andrea aims to uncover and showcase their inherent beauty by treating them with reverence. "Through carving and preserving, I aim to acknowledge them as entities with a second chance at life," he explains.

Interview

©Agnese D'Angelo

©di Samanta Sollima

What do you love most about your work?: What I love most about transforming felled tree trunks is the deep bond with the material. It feels alive, with a unique soul. Through sculpture, I revive its essence, telling a story of renewal and transformation, and celebrate the beauty of second chances.
How do people react when they see your sculptures?: People often react with amazement. During live performances, passers-by stop, captivated by my work. Each piece I create sparks curiosity and fascination, leaving a lasting impression on those who witness the process.
What inspires you to work with dead tree trunks?: Michelangelo once said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” I am not comparing myself to one of the greatest artists ever, but that line resonates with me deeply. I too see hidden forms in tree trunks and carve to reveal them to the world.
Which sculpture is your personal favourite, and why?: One of my favorite sculptures is Dead Trunk 27, created on the street and later recovered. It depicts a man's face with closed eyes beneath a monstrous figure with open jaws, symbolising our relationship with the subconscious, fears, and hidden demons.

Andrea Gandini is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2015 and he started teaching in 2020