Felice Tagliaferri

Stone sculptor

©Luca Casadei

A new way of seeing

Felice is a blind sculptor and the founder of the Chiesa dell’Arte school
His realistic marble works are meant to be touched rather than seen
Based in Cesena, he exhibits and teaches all around Italy

How is a blind person supposed to enjoy the beauty of a marble masterpiece like the Cristo Velato, the renowned, hyperrealistic sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino? The answer comes from one of Felice Tagliaferri’s most famous pieces, his Cristo RiVelato, a stunning replica that anyone can touch. Through his work Felice encourages the enjoyment of marble sculpture not only thanks to the visible details but also thanks to the tactile ones, invisible to the eye. As a blind artist, Felice found the possibility to express his inner world and dreams, demonstrating that a different way of seeing is possible. Constantly on the move for exhibitions, workshops and for the classes he teaches at his Chiesa dell’Arte travelling school, Felice ranges from sacred art to surprisingly ironic pieces, embodying a noble message of self-expression and inclusivity.

Interview

©Luca Casadei

©Luca Casadei

When did you discover sculpture?: It happened almost by chance in 1998, when I applied for a class to practice as a blind sculptor, promoted by Nicola Zamboni, teacher at the Brera Academy in Milan. I spent two years in his studio, and more with other masters in Carrara, where I learned to work marble, which is now my signature material.
What did you find in sculpture?: Like many blind people, I used to work as a switchboard operator before I discovered sculpture. Art gave me the opportunity to give shape to my inner images, to my dreams… something that I simply could not do before.
To what extent is sculpture different for a blind artist?: Most of the challenges are of a practical nature and processing times are significantly longer, but the real difference is that you focus on details, not on the whole. Some details are not even visible and you need to touch the sculpture to perceive them: it is a different way of seeing.
What is the key ingredient of your work?: When I work, when I hold the classes at my Chiesa dell’Arte school – but also whenever I speak – the key ingredient is humour. Humour and play are essential to make the true spirit of a person emerge.

Felice Tagliaferri is a master artisan: he began his career in 2002 and he started teaching in 2005