Meet Simonamadeit
Where are you from and how does that affect your work? I was born and raised in Italy, in a town nested between Mount Vesuvius and the Mediterranean Sea. Growing up in Napoli, with its art, ancient history, and vibrant culture, shaped my entire way of seeing the world. It’s a melting pot of people, colors, and stories, and that energy lives in my work. That’s also why I feel so connected to Southern California, it has a similar creative, sunny, and soulful vibe that feels like home to me.
Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? My biggest artistic influence was my grandfather. He was an oil painter, and I grew up surrounded by his canvases, color palettes, and the wonderful smell of paint in the air. We always shared a special connection, and I think that his creative spirit got passed down to me. I also attended art school, and growing up in Italy, art was everywhere, in churches, museums, even the streets! It was a normal (and totally awesome) part of daily life, and it made a big contribution in how I see beauty in the world.
What is the hardest part of your creation process? As a recovering ☺️ perfectionist, letting go and trusting that a piece is truly “done” can be difficult. Embracing imperfection doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’ve come to realize that nature isn’t perfect either and that’s what makes it so beautiful. I want my work to reflect that same organic, imperfect beauty, even though it’s hard to resist the urge to control every detail. Clay is the perfect medium to learn to let go, and honestly, I find it deeply therapeutic.
As a fellow perfectionist, I get that! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why? My leaf plates are a delight to make and I’m kind of obsessed with them. I love my quirky bud vases a lot. But if I had to choose just one, I feel a special connection to my “plump” amphora with blue glazes and underglazes. There’s something about it… the shape, the symbols, the deep-sea colors that reminds me of ancient Greece and the Mediterranean sea. It just feels like me.
What do you love most about Burbank? I live in Pasadena and love the whole area so much. Burbank is a vibrant community with an artistic energy, a creative hub with a vintage soul. There’s something magical about being in the heart of the entertainment world with just the right mix of inspiration and charm.
What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? There's actually a picture of me and a caption with my name inside the Griffith Observatory! I moved from Italy 20 years ago and had the incredible opportunity to work on The Big Picture, the largest astronomical image ever created, alongside a small group of scientists from Caltech. It's still thrilling to know I was part of something so cosmic… literally!
Also, long before that, I founded Soldissimi.it, the very first Italian website dedicated to coupons, sweepstakes, and freebies. This year, it turns 25 and it is still the largest Italian community on that topic!
That is so cool! Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In five years, I see myself with my hands and clothes full of paint, clay, and a little dirt (from collecting rocks and exploring places). I’m drawn to bold colors, transparency, and textures shaped by nature. I have a passion (and a MS) for Geology; my nature plates are inspired by my love for fossils. Whether I’m creating, painting, or just getting lost in the desert with my family, I am happy!
You have the day off, what do you do? If I have a day off, you’ll probably find me out in nature, whether it’s a forest, a desert, a river, or the sea. I crave that peaceful, quiet connection with the natural world. It recharges me, grounds me, and fills me with inspiration. No better way to spend a day than surrounded by beauty and silence. I usually come back with sand in my shoes, a few interesting rocks in my pockets, and a hundred new ideas in my head.
Anything special you’d like to share? I’m so excited to be a part of the Jackalope community, this is my first time participating, and I’m truly looking forward to every smile, kind word, and bit of advice from people attending. What makes it even more special is that my 15-year-old daughter will be with me. She’s an amazing artist in the making, and creating together has always been our happy place. I feel grateful to share this experience with her and with all of you!
Find Simonamadeit at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.
Website: https://www.simonamadeit.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonamadeit