“Art is authentic
when it encapsulates the essence of our origins.”
Tonino Loi, the Wood Poet
A lifelong sculptor and painter, he resides and practices his craft in Belvì.
The use of wood is a defining and essential element in all of his works,
underlining a fundamental prerequisite.
His works can be found in collections all over the world.
He is the creator of sculpture gatherings in Jerzu, Belvì, and other towns in Sardinia.
From wood to stone
His works are characterized by technical mastery and the skill to capture the essence of the stone he works with, skillfully blending natural and abstract elements.
Beyond the sculptures
His creations draw inspiration from community connections and reflect themes of local, cultural, and historical identity.
Gentes of Tonino Loi
This work is a captivating fusion of authentic stories and a fictional narrative that oscillates between the improbable and the plausible.
Through this intellectual play, the peasant artist Tonino Loi shares his humble yet enchanting childhood, the lessons of life learned among cork forests and bean gardens, as well as his artistic journeys to Paris and South America. The author does not dwell on his sculptural work because he, in his very existence, is a work of art in himself.
His sculptures are born from the stories of his people. In this book, he endeavors to bridge the historical gaps of his people, grappling with the question of “why” and the unease of what remains uncharted, attempting to connect facts that have hitherto remained disjointed.