Born in Milan, Roberta Volpe embarked on a creative journey that has taken her from the grand stages of renowned theaters to the intimate confines of her own art studio. With a diverse background in set design, sculpting, painting, and teaching, Roberta has carved a unique path in the world of art and design. Her experiences, which include work at Teatro La Scala, collaborations with theater and event companies, and her evolution into a prolific painter, have left an indelible mark on her artistic identity.
Roberta’s artistic odyssey commenced with her formal training in Set Design at the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera in Milan. There, she honed her craft, mastering the intricate art of designing and crafting immersive stage environments. This foundational education provided her with a strong basis for her future endeavors in the world of art and design.
Subsequently, she delved even deeper into her passion by pursuing Set and Costume Design at the Opera Academy of Verona. This specialization allowed her to explore the intricate connection between visual aesthetics and storytelling, a skill that would serve as a cornerstone for her career.
During her formative years as an artist, Roberta embarked on an apprenticeship at the esteemed Teatro La Scala in Milan. This iconic theater, renowned for its impeccable productions, provided her with invaluable hands-on experience. It was within the hallowed halls of La Scala that she honed her skills as a sculptor and painter, learning the art of bringing imagination to life on the stage.
Roberta’s journey as a set designer reached an international crescendo in 2011 when she made her debut at the Amazonas Theatre in Manaus, Brazil. Here, she was set designer and designed for on the production of Puccini’s opera, ‘Suor Angelica.’ This milestone marked the beginning of her global artistic adventure, where her set designs would become integral to the storytelling process, enriching the audience’s experience.
In 2013, Roberta embarked on a new chapter of her life by relocating to London. The vibrant arts scene of the British capital offered her a wealth of opportunities to further expand her creative horizons. Over the years, she collaborated with various theater and event companies, contributing her artistic vision to a myriad of productions. Notably, in 2018, her work on a particular event earned her team the prestigious EVCOM event design award for the best celebration event.
During her tenure in London, Roberta’s passion for painting found fertile ground. She worked as a Scenic Artist for the Royal Opera House and had the privilege of contributing her talent to the sets of iconic musicals such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘Les Misérables,’ and ‘Mamma Mia!’ This crossover between the theater and the canvas allowed her to bridge the gap between two art forms, enriching her artistic perspective.
In 2019, Roberta took a significant step by opening her own art studio. This marked the beginning of her exploration into a new realm of artistic expression. Drawing inspiration from the techniques she had perfected in the theater, she started developing her distinctive style. Her works are characterized by a profound understanding of texture and silhouette, evoking a sense of depth and emotion that resonates with viewers.
Her dedication to her craft reached new heights in 2021 when she earned her PGCE in Art and Design from Goldsmiths University. This achievement solidified her commitment to both her artistic practice and her passion for teaching. Roberta now imparts her knowledge to aspiring artists, nurturing the next generation of creative minds.
Roberta’s paintings are a testament to her ability to capture the essence of a moment, a feeling, or a story on canvas. One of her notable works, ‘Swan Lake,’ measures 100 cm x 80 cm and is executed using mixed media. In this piece, Roberta brings to life the mesmerizing transformation of Odette into a beautiful swan in the moonlight. Drawing inspiration from Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet, she expertly patinates the ballerina in the famous ‘Swan Lake’ pose, inviting viewers into the magical world of the performance.
Another captivating work, ‘The Dreamer,’ measuring 100 cm x 80 cm, is also rendered in mixed media on canvas. Inspired by the timeless words of Oscar Wilde, the painting encapsulates the essence of a dreamer. As Wilde said, “A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” Roberta’s composition skillfully weaves moonlight and dreams, inviting viewers to contemplate the mysterious and imaginative realms of the human mind.
In her paintings, Roberta masterfully combines her theatrical background with her love for visual arts. Her works speak to the profound connection between dreams, reality, and the transformative power of artistic expression.
Roberta Volpe’s artistic journey is a testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to explore their creative passions. From her early days as a set designer at Teatro La Scala to her award-winning event designs and her flourishing career as a painter, Roberta has left an indelible mark on the world of art and design. Her ability to seamlessly blend the worlds of theater and visual arts has resulted in a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. As she continues to teach and evolve her unique artistic style, Roberta Volpe is undoubtedly an artist to watch in the years to come.
