Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Leonardi.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am the Grandson of a stone carver, Francesco Leonardi, who was from Sicily. I am a 3rd generation Home Improvement business owner. My wife and I moved to Arizona from Ohio 2 1/2 years ago. I have been running my own painting remodeling business for almost 20 years.
We specialize in large and small scale projects and love new challenges. I have had the opportunity to branch out into unique fields such as “End Grain Flooring” and “Fractal Burning” which provides show stopping reactions when people see them.
Please tell us about your art.
I learned a lot from my grandpa and dad about taking pride in the work I do. It isn’t just about completing projects it’s about being concerned with the little things…. even things people will most likely miss. That is what turns a “worker” into a “craftsman”.
My grandpa was an artist in the truest sense of the word. As a stone carver he could look at an ordinary rock and see a three dimensional masterpiece hiding inside. One of the projects he was assigned to was to create the “Guardians of Transportation” in Cleveland, Ohio. These four 43-foot tall double sided pylons were carved by hand out of sandstone and line the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge. They were to represent technological advances made in transit. Each “Guardian” holding a different kind of vehicle in its massive hands.
When I was younger I used to love seeing those statues. As I got older I would at times go out of my way to drive across the bridge to visit them. It gives me a huge sense of pride to be linked to such a special project and inspires me in my work each day.
That is why my company Leonardi Painting and Interiors uses an artist depiction of the Guardian’s head as its logo. True, I don’t create such epic timeless pieces like that today. But in my mind each project I complete is a smaller mark that I am privileged to leave on the world.
The Guardians have been viewed by millions of people over the years whether it be in person, photographs, or by artist interpretation. They make people smile because of how creative and exacting they are. I like to think that on a smaller scale, I can bring those same smiles to my customers….
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Social media and .coms such as Etsy, Ebay, (or even Offer up, yep…I said it) has made creating a business and selling a product or skill amazingly easy. Your creation can be marketed in moments and become someone else’s priceless one of a kind piece overnight. Personally I feel in that sense it has become a lot easier for anyone dabbling in the art field.
What I love most about Arizona is the fact that half the people who live here moved from somewhere else. It creates an amazing melting pot of cultures and ideas. I never know what direction someone may want to go with for example their décor at home. It paves the way for a lot of free thinking, out of the box ideas to become realities.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
We work almost all of the “Greater Phoenix Valley” north, south, east, and west.
My work is featured on Instagram as Leonardipainting and our website LeonardiPainting.com
Contact Info:
- Website: LeonardiPainting.com
- Phone: 440-336-0176
- Email: LeonardiPainting@Hotmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonardipainting/
Image Credit:
Photo of stone carvers with a Guardian of Transportation provided by case.edu
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
