Echoes of nature in wood
- Leonardo creates sculptural vessels from local wood
- He is a craftsman with strong environmental ethics and a deep respect for nature
- His works aim to celebrate the natural beauty of wood
Born and raised in Florence, Leonardo Cappellini grew up immersed in the city's rich heritage. While the Renaissance spirit shaped his aesthetic, a profound connection to nature led him to trade urban life for the Tuscan countryside. Using exclusively local, reclaimed wood, Leonardo transforms simple materials into refined objects, spanning functional pieces like vases, bowls, and platters, as well as sculptural forms. By blending these techniques with sculpting, he creates pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply inspired by the natural world. "I transform simple pieces into works that are narratives of rebirth and environmental respect," he adds. Each creation honours the wood’s distinctive character, inviting us to appreciate nature’s beauty and resilience.
INTERVIEW
My favourite workday is when I begin shaping green wood on the lathe. First, I section the logs with a chainsaw, then I move to the lathe, using various gouges to shape the piece before letting it dry.
My studio is a creative sanctuary. Outside, I have a covered woodshed from which I select wood. Inside stands the large lathe for substantial projects and my bench lathe for smaller pieces. At the back of the room, I have several workbenches for finishing touches. Hand and power tools complete the space.
My fascination with woodturning came from research on the internet, even though it is difficult for me to pinpoint the exact moment of when my interest really took hold.
The inspiration for my work can come from anything, but nature is the main source. So animals, plants, rocks, all things nature-related. Also, music, lyrics, and architecture influence me. It is hard to define a single source.
