Rossella Palazzolo

Studio Kepha

Restorer

©Studio Kepha

Concrete creations

Rossella is inspired by Giorgio Morandi’s still lifes
She was raised in Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi
She is a completely self-taught artisan

In 1963 the Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi and most memorably its ballroom were the setting for Luchino Visconti's film The Leopard. Today, while the famous ballroom may be hired for events, the rest of the house is still used as a private residence. Rossella Palazzolo was born right here, in this Palace, in the early 1980s. "Pursuing art was a natural choice," Rossella explains, "because I was born and raised in an opulent environment, full of antique furnishings and art objects." But one day, she decided to switch from luxurious objects to the most humble material in the world: concrete. She started working with this material as an autodidact: in her hands, concrete has acquired a new sense and meaning thanks to the artist's creativity. With a touch of ability and inventiveness, concrete becomes lamps, bowls, everyday household items and even sacred statues!

Interview

©Studio Kepha

©Studio Kepha

What is your educational background?: Since childhood I’ve always had a flair for the world of art and photography. So I studied art and, later, I graduated at the Academy of Fine Arts. But, at one point, I missed creating something with my hands.
Why did you choose concrete?: For many, this was a strange choice. But for me it’s a natural choice: for most people concrete is a poor material, aesthetically ugly, with little personality. I wanted to dignify it, to give it the importance it really has.
How can you make beautiful objects from it?: This is a challenge: I have spent many years trying to create everyday beautiful objects made of concrete. In Italy, if you think about this material, you think about the “construction boom”, but concrete, if used well, can give great results.
Why did you call you workshop Studio Kepha?: Kepha means “stone” in Aramaic, which is the language spoke by Jesus. I am not a believer, but I felt this was the right word for my business: for me it was like the “foundation stone” of my practice.

Rossella Palazzolo is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2015