HEERA ALAYA

IN CONVERSATION

“My parents and relatives let me be free
to study and work, which I started at fourteen.”

LUCA RAFANELLI
Artist, artisan and antique dealer, IT

March 8th, 2023

Heera Alaya: How would you accurately describe the space in which you house your paintings and artefacts?

Luca Rafanelli: In Italian, what we have here—a space shared with my wife, Alessandra—is referred to as a bottega. It serves as a workshop where we create, transform, contemplate, paint, and sculpt. I embody a fusion of artisan, artist, and antique dealer.

How long have you operated your bottega?

Since 1985.

What are the Italian terms for the artefacts found in your bottega?

We have sculture [sculptures], cornice [frames], mobile [furniture] and antichità [antiques].

You have quite an extensive collection, ranging from frames and mannequins to candelabras and paintings. Are you familiar with your inventory?

Yes. When you select something…

That you love, you remember?

Yes.

Did you pursue restoration studies in college?

No, I did not study in college. This part of town [Oltrano, Florence] was, and remains, the centre of Italy and Europe for antique restoration. I started working in other workshops.

As an apprentice?

Yes. I was lucky because I could always sketch, which allowed me to progress through my apprenticeship quickly.

And now, you paint.

Yes. It has been 28 years since I embarked on my journey of painting bikes, umbrellas, and trees.

What is your fascination with umbrellas, bikes and trees?

As I contemplated what to paint, the idea of a bike and an umbrella came naturally. I painted my first piece [a bike and umbrella], which sold within half an hour of completion. Since that moment, I have never stopped painting umbrellas.

How reassuring to have your first creation sell out in a matter of minutes.

Your umbrellas are red. How do you choose the perfect shade of red?

Selecting the right shade is instinctive. And I improvise to get the desired effect.

What does the creation process do for you?

Painting brings me a sense of calm.

I am captivated by your weathered honeycomb terracotta tiles and by the lighting that enhances the warmth of your carmine and amber walls and the artefacts. How did you determine the decor for your bottega?

My wife, Alessandra, and I do what we like and what pleases us.

What role does Alessandra play in managing the bottega?

When she was young, Alessandra was a dancer and choreographer. Then, she became a restorer, Alessandra’s journey began as a dancer and choreographer in her youth, eventually transitioning to the role of a restorer, where she engaged in buying, restoring, and selling.

How did your path to pursuing your passion unfold?

My parents and relatives let me be free to study and work, which I started at fourteen.

That’s quite young!

Do you have any interests outside of curating and painting?

My work is a way of life; it occupies me full-time. We [Alessandra and Luca] are here from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

You and Alessandra are fortunate to have found each other, sharing common interests.

Yes, we are lucky.

Do you close your bottega and go home for lunch?

[Going home for lunch] It depends on the day. During the hot summer months, we [Alessandra and Luca] often close the bottega for a couple of hours and go home.

Are you a Florentine [a native of Florence]?

Yes. I was born on this block [Via di Serragli, Oltrano] and lived on the next street for 60 years. We [Alessandra and Luca] finally relocated 500 metres from the bottega. We’re on the fourth floor with a lovely terrace overlooking the town, which I really enjoy.

Does a brick-and-mortar bottega restrict your plans, say, for travel?

We [Alessandra and Luca] used to travel twice a year, in June and February, either to the beach or nearby Florence. We’ve also visited India seven times.

Which parts of India did you visit?

Primarily Goa, Andamans [Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bay of Bengal], Madras, Bombay and Kerala.

The Andaman Islands are stunning.

Indeed, they [the Andaman Islands]are beautiful, but as an island destination, travel options can be somewhat limited. Nowadays, we don’t travel as much because our mothers are older, and we prefer to remain close to Florence for extended periods.

It is good that you invested in travelling early on in life, as it now allows you to live at a harmonious pace.

Yes, this is true.

I appreciate your calm presence and soothing voice while you work in your bottega. Thank you, Luca, for your time and grace.

You are welcome.

Learn more about Luca Rafanelli.

Documentary Filmmaker, USA