I discovered Artist Amia Caffarena on Instagram (of course) I LOVE her beautiful steel wire sea creature sculptures especially the whales! she makes things with what she finds from Bogliasco (Italy) with no fixed address but a Van called “rusty” living the creative life as an artist currently in Byron Bay
Back home she was just a Yacht Design student, studying something she didn’t really like. When in library, instead of studying physics and mechanics she was sketching whales on her notebook. No wonder one day she said ” Sorry mum, I can’t do this anymore I need a change, I’m going to Australia”.
She came to Australia in November, bought a 31 year old van (named him Rusty, of course) in Darwin, then started traveling/exploring Australia.
“I started to shape whales almost one year and half ago, just as an hobby.
Why whales. I always had a super strong connection with the sea and the ocean, it’s a family thing, I just feel sick without my salty friend. And whales are rulers of the ocean, so magnificent and dramatic, smart, poetic, powerful and magical, all in one marvellous animal”
Testament to being in the right place at the right time and open to the universe she says destiny wanted for her to meet now friend talented artist, Elise Cameron Smith , in the car park of the National Park in Noosa Head on new years eve, all thanks to her Van Rusty, Elise said “Cool van!”and noticed a whale drawing and an adventure they were friends ! Amid showed Elise her sculptures and it was her who suggested she try to sell them, introducing her to Sibella Court
She came to Australia, fell in love with it and found something special, unexpected. Now when people ask her what she does she is proud to reply: “I’m an artist!”
check out and buy her work here
