THE AVIO AERO

PEOPLE’S MAGAZINE

Behind a business professional, specialized technician, technologist or quality engineer, there is often an amazing artistic side. We know very well (and in the past we have spoken of and shown many instances of this) that we have some true painting, photography, music or even sculpture talents among our colleagues. Besides, on both a professional and artistic standpoint, it’s important to have creativity, passion and perseverance in order to achieve the final product.

Which is why we discovered, visited and promoted two exceptional artistic talents nurtured by our colleagues at our Naples and Turin sites. During the last two weeks of April, the small town of Castelpoto in the province of Benevento came alive with colors, brushes and numerous paintings for an arts and culture exhibition organized by our Pomigliano colleague Angelo Schipani (Special process Engineer).

Angelo was born in Castelpoto and has always lived here. His love for this small town, scarred by the earthquake of 1980, pushed him to organize the arts event entitled “CastelpotoArte,” with a desire to present the historical center and its traditions. “The determination to appreciate what was left,” Angelo told us, “pushed me to organize this cultural exhibit with the goal of imparting the tradition, culture, history and products of this area through the one medium that, in my opinion, is the most noble and effective: Art.”

Our Pomigliano colleagues Roberto Bellucci (Lead EHS Specialist) and Anastasio Nespolino (Mechanical & Component Engineering) embraced this project enthusiastically, taking part in the quality contest as artistic director and panel judge, respectively. “But at this point, there was one missing detail,” continued Angelo, “a detail that contributes added value: the viewpoint of a person who isn’t influenced by Italian tradition.” A special guest, then, took part in the event: Serge Couture, Plant Leader of Avio Aero Pomigliano, was there as chief of the judge panel for CastelpotoArte. Indeed, on the sidelines of the exhibit, there were also photo and painting competitions, always focused on the subject “Taste is art,” which awarded young artists from the schools of local communities, and exhibiting artists.

“Without a doubt, it was the right opportunity to get to know the local community and become even more part of Italian culture. My wife and I were welcomed so warmly by the people of Castelpoto. We truly appreciated it. If I can give something back to the community, even if it’s just my time, I’m more than happy to do so,” commented Serge Couture for about magazine. “Italy is a country with an incredible historic and artistic heritage. Just look around: you can see countless traces of the past and the civilizations that followed one another over the years. The beauty of these small villages is given by the fact that tradition has been preserved and is still alive and well. Taking a walk in the old village, it feels like traveling through time; you can even imagine what it was like to live in this town hundreds of years ago: each corner tells a story of life in the past. Castelpoto is a truly evocative location.” 

Angelo’s wish and that of our colleagues who took part in the event became true: Castelpoto opened its doors to visitors who, with a fair and respectful look, walked along these quiet streets, by empty houses that, during those days, were filled with so many paintings.

At the same time, in Turin, we met Gerardo Rosato during his exhibit of some of his works at the HERE event organized by Turin’s Cavallerizza Reale, on May 13-22. Gerardo is an eclectic artist, who can transform waste material with no apparent value from our Borgaretto foundry, where he has been working since 1995, into true works of art: sculptures in wire, aluminum, sand, resin, as well as paintings. 

Gerardo’s creations communicate his perception of reality and the environment that surrounds him: “The land of fires,” “Exodus: from dystopia to utopia” are some of the titles of his installations at the exhibit. We asked our colleague a few questions so he could share his inspiration with us and we could get to know his art.

Gerardo, what do you do at Getti Speciali?

"I work in the isoset core-making department. I work with sand".

How did you come to the world of art?

"I went to the high school specializing in art in Turin. Art has always been on my mind, and I often put it into practice it with my installations".

Your art is a continuous creation process, born of a work environment that doesn't have much in the way of creativity. How does your work stimulate your creativity and to what extent?

"I always start with the salvaging principle. Working at a foundry, waste materials like aluminum splatter or discarded cores often already suggest a possible creation.  My work greatly stimulates me to salvage materials and to travel with my imagination, jotting down sketches for new works. And my colleagues help me a lot too—sometimes even with small collections for my exhibits. I thank them for supporting me and my path. Here at Borgaretto we call ourselves 'Special People': here, everything is art".

What is your favorite technique, and why?

"I prefer sculpture for my installations. Sand, once it’s processed and finished, has a special charm, just like wire does.
If I had to present myself as an artist using just three words... Simple, ingenious and trash!!!"