Tuscan sculptor Andrea Roggi discovered his passion through painting and poetry before find- ing inspiration in Masaccio’s “The Trinity” at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella, which sparked his sculptural journey. Each creation whether found in a city square or a quiet garden throughout Italy, is more than an object of beauty. It is a conduit, a bridge spanning the ages. As a demiurge fashions the physical universe from eternal Ideas, so too does Tuscan sculptor Andrea Roggi shape his works from enduring themes. His sculptures are not mere objects, but symbolic expressions of the human quest for meaning and understanding. In this interview, the Maestro invites us to explore new horizons without and within.
The ancient techniques Roggi employs, like the lost-wax casting of the Etruscans, root his work in the deep past of this land. The organic forms, often intertwined figures reaching towards the sky, speak to the universal human yearning for connection and transcendence. But it is in the interaction with the viewer, in that moment of encounter, that the true magic happens. Suddenly, past, present, and future converge. The weight of history, the vibrancy of the now, and the promise of what’s to come – all are held in a single, breath- taking instant. This is the real power of Roggi’s art. It is not just sculpture, not just an aesthetic experience. It is a catalyst for a profound shift in perspective. In the presence of his work, we are invited to see ourselves as part of a continuum, past, present and future.
In a Roggi sculpture, the past is not dead and gone. It lives on in the curve of a bronze limb, in the play of light across a marble surface. The present is not a fleeting instant, but a pivotal point between what was and what will be. And the future is not an abstract concept, but a tangible promise, as real as the stone beneath our fingertips. To see a Roggi, then, is to step out of the rush of daily life and into a space of contemplation and connection. It is to be reminded of the ties that bind us – to each other, to our history, to our world, our story – in all its messy, glorious, heartbreaking beauty. Roggi’s art reminds us that we are all part of something greater, something that endures beyond the limits of our individual lives. It is to touch, if only for a moment, the eternal.
Your artistic journey began in the Val di Chiana district of Tuscany. How has this starting point influenced your perspective on life and art?
Andrea: Growing up in Castiglion Fiorentino, in the heart of Tuscany, profoundly shaped my outlook on both life and art. The deep connection I formed with nature in that environment has been a guiding force in my work. In the unspoiled beauty of the Tuscan countryside, surrounded by ancient olive groves, I learned early on to see beauty in simplicity and to appreciate the delicate balance of the natural world.
This harmony is something I continually strive to reflect in my sculptures, where the organic forms of nature merge with the emotions and stories of human existence. The tranquility and authenticity of rural Tuscany taught me to value the fundamental, the raw, and the enduring. Nature is, for me, the ultimate creator and its cycles of growth, transformation and renewal resonate deeply with the themes I explore – especially love as a transformative force. Living between Castiglion Fiorentino and Pietrasanta, two places steeped in artistic heritage and natural beauty, allows me to stay connected to this grounding influence. It’s in these landscapes that I find the inspiration to create works that speak not only to the eye but to the heart, evoking a sense of unity and timeless connection between humanity and the world we inhabit.
How has your understanding of your own perspective on cultural heritage evolved as your work continues to grow roots across the globe?
Andrea: My understanding of my cultural heritage has evolved profoundly over the years. Initially, my Tuscan roots were a personal and localized source of inspiration. However, interacting with diverse audiences around the globe has illuminated how these traditions resonate on a universal scale. This global perspective has enriched my artistic vision by showing me that the core themes of my art transcend cultural boundaries. Engaging with audiences worldwide has shifted my view of my roots from a localized identity to a dynamic, universal language. It’s taught me that cultural heritage is a living, evolving thing – one that grows richer when it engages in dialogue with the world.
You have suggested that true homage to our ancestors lies in overcoming fears to reach the essence of things. How does this idea manifest in your artistic journey?
Andrea: Honoring the past is not simply about pre- serving tradition, but about daring to transcend it. Our ancestors left us a legacy of knowledge and craftsmanship, but their true gift is the courage to push beyond boundaries and pursue deeper truths. To truly honor them, we must evolve creatively and fearlessly. In my artistic journey, this idea comes to life through a fusion of tradition and innovation. While I use ancient techniques and materials like bronze and marble, I continually experiment with new methods, pushing the limits of form and expression. This allows me to merge the past with the present, overcoming the fear of leaving behind old frameworks in pursuit of new shapes and horizons.
You’ve mentioned that an artist must be a witness to their time. How do you see your sculptures as a reflection of both Tuscan tradition and contemporary global issues?
Andrea: My sculptures embody this dual role through a harmo- nious blend of tradition and modernity. Through the ancient technique of lost-wax casting, a method used by the Etruscans who once inhabited Tuscany, I maintain a connection to our artistic heritage while addressing contemporary themes. The Imagine series envisions a world united by all peoples, offering a hopeful perspective in a time marked by conflict and humanitarian crises. The nature component of my sculptures – particularly in the Tree of Life series – serves as a poignant reminder of our duty to nurture and protect the Earth. Often, the planet is represented as a bare globe, marked by craters, furrows, ridges and even gashes. These features symbolize the scars of environmental neglect and the urgent need for care. Despite these reflections on current global issues, my vision remains optimistic. The shapes and forms of my works are designed to inspire hope and convey a positive outlook. This is the message: Even as we confront challenges, we should always strive for a better future and act with hope and determination to create it.
What is your work a metaphor of ?
My work is often a metaphor for the passage of time, inviting an active and virtuous engagement with its continuum. A prime example is the Tree of Life, which elegantly represents the interplay between yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The roots symbolize the past, embodying the collective heritage, traditions and cultural influences that shape our identity. They ground us in the rich soil of history, reflecting the foundational elements that precede and support our existence. The trunk – composed of anthropomorphic figures – embodies the present and draws strength and nourishment from the roots, integrating the wisdom of the past into our present actions. It is often depicted with figures engaged in meaningful interactions, such as embraces or kisses, reflecting the dynamic and transformative nature of our actions and interactions, thus our active role in shaping the present.
A profound aspect of your philosophy is revealed in your words, such as “Love Makes The World Go Round” and “We are all just one being, connected by a ray of light, a ray of love and creativity.” Please share your core beliefs.
I believe deeply that every person is fundamentally connected to one another and these connections are woven by powerful forces—love and creativity. These are not mere abstractions; they are energies capa- ble of shaping and elevating our world. Love is the gentle force that binds us, creating unity and fostering understanding. Creativity, by contrast, is the spark that propels us forward, transforming dreams into reality and opening new horizons. In my art, I strive to express this interconnectedness, emphasizing the idea that what we create through love and creativity transcends boundaries and resonates in the lives of others.
The phrase “Love and Creative- ness make the World go round,” which often accompanies my work, encapsulates the belief that these two forces are at the core of all existence, driving us as individuals, as a society and as a global community. The meaning of life lies in a deep sense of universal belonging – in the recognition that we are intrinsically linked, forever bound in an eternal union. This idea finds expression in the “Energy of Life,” symbolized by the golden sphere that recurs in many of my works. The sphere cradles an unstoppable life force, symbolizing the profound connection among all forms of life. The “Energy of Life” invites us to challenge conventional concepts of reality, urging us to expand our perception and awareness of a world shaped by empathy and care for others.
