Today, on "A Mountain of Excellence", we spotlight an authentic artisan of light: Roberto Lo Scrudato, founder of Luminà - Shape and Color. His craftsmanship not only illuminates spaces but also carries forward a piece of Sicilian tradition, intertwining contemporary design with ancient artisanal knowledge. Roberto shares what it means to create art with light, from the challenges he has faced to the cultural impact of his works. Here's what he revealed to us, exclusively for those who seek true, uncompromising excellence.
Interview with Roberto:
• What inspired you to found Luminà - Shape and Color?
The inspiration came from my passion for manual work and my fascination with the light displays I saw as a child during local festivities. Those light displays always held a unique allure for me, evoking a strong sense of community and tradition. After years of experience and study, I felt the need to bring my vision to life, creating a company that could express the Sicilian tradition of light displays with a unique and contemporary style. That’s how Luminà was born—a project aimed at preserving and enhancing ancient traditions with a modern and innovative approach.
• How do you merge the tradition of Sicilian light displays with contemporary design?
The secret lies in preserving the essence of tradition while adapting it to each environment. Combining tradition and contemporary design is not always easy, but depending on the context, I choose whether to maintain a classic style or introduce modern adjustments. Sometimes, a change in colors or lines is enough—for instance, instead of using the classic white of traditional displays, we can explore different shades.
• What materials do you prefer for your creations, and how do you address sustainability in your choices?
For the light displays, I primarily use phenolic plywood made from pine, painted with water-based enamels. I also use energy-saving bulbs to reduce environmental impact, always keeping quality and sustainability in mind. I believe that even in an artistic field like ours, it’s essential to choose materials that respect the environment and last over time.
• Can you describe the creative and production process behind one of your most representative works?
The creative and production process is similar for all my light displays. I start with a design inspired by Sicilian tradition, which I refine using software to adapt it for cutting. Then, I use a CNC machine to ensure precision. After cutting, each piece is hand-finished and assembled to create a unique product with attention to every detail. This blend of technology and craftsmanship brings creations to life that combine the best of tradition and innovation.
• How do you customize your light displays to suit different settings, such as trulli, restaurants, or hotels?
Every setting is unique, so I adapt the light displays to specific needs. In some spaces, classic light displays fit perfectly; in others, it may be necessary to adjust lines or colors to harmonize with the context. For example, I can design displays with more modern lines or paint the structure in a specific color. My goal is always to enhance the space by creating a tailored light display.
• What are the main challenges you’ve faced in running an artisanal business in Sicily?
In Italy, starting and growing a business, especially an artisanal one, is always challenging. Bureaucracy and logistical difficulties can be obstacles, but with passion, love, and sacrifice, anything is possible. Of course, there’s still a long way to go, but I trust that our efforts will yield good results and perhaps significant milestones.
• How does Luminà contribute to enhancing Sicilian cultural heritage?
I believe Luminà contributes to enhancing Sicilian heritage by being an artisanal business. Craftsmanship is an important part of Italian and Southern Italian culture, even though it has somewhat faded in recent decades. However, in recent years, many young people have been rediscovering this sector. When tourists, both European and non-European, see our handmade work, they are fascinated. I’m convinced that preserving these traditions is essential for our cultural identity.
• Have you collaborated with other artists or designers on specific projects? Can you share a significant experience?
Yes, I’ve collaborated with local painters who decorated some light displays with typical Sicilian details, as well as with a designer who curated specific collections for our website. These collaborations have been crucial in bringing new perspectives and enriching each project. It’s inspiring to see how other professionals interpret our creations and add something unique to them.
• What are your future plans for Luminà - Shape and Color?
At the moment, my goal is to stabilize the business and increase its visibility. I’m particularly excited about the workshops we’re launching in January, where tourists and enthusiasts can get closer to the world of Sicilian light displays. I believe this is a unique opportunity to spread this tradition and share the passion behind every creation.
• What strategies do you use to promote your creations in Italy and abroad?
We focus heavily on social media and marketing collaborations to build a strong online presence. In addition to e-commerce, we publish videos and targeted advertising campaigns, allowing us to showcase our products to a wide audience. Our goal is to create a connection between Sicilian tradition and the needs of today’s customers, both in Italy and internationally.
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