Born and raised in Ravenna, Italy, a city renowned for its rich heritage of mosaic art, Danilo Bonazza’s passion for art was ignited from an early age. Ravenna’s intricate mosaics and historic art were the backdrop to his childhood, deeply influencing his creative journey.
Despite working in construction and tile installation to support himself, Danilo never strayed far from his artistic roots. His determination to create something with his hands was not just a desire but a necessity—a driving force that led him to establish himself as a mosaic artist.
Danilo’s early works quickly gained attention. He won several prestigious awards, including the title of New Young Artist of 1996 for his painting “La Pineta di Marina” and the Bologna Prize for Art in 1998 for his innovative 3D mosaic-painting hybrid, “Cielo e Vertigine.” These accolades not only cemented his reputation but also fueled his ambition to share his art with a broader audience.
In 2008, Danilo moved to the United States and founded Art & Mosaics, a company that embodies his vision of creating functional art that people can admire and interact with. Specializing in outdoor living spaces, particularly pools, Danilo has transformed countless environments into stunning, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. His work is sought after by celebrities, luxury hotels, and art collectors worldwide, with notable projects including collaborations with the Louvre Museum and the Vatican.
Danilo’s approach is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to perfection. He believes in pushing the boundaries of his craft, whether it’s adapting to challenging overseas projects or pioneering the use of epoxy installation materials. For Danilo, every project is an opportunity to blend art and functionality, ensuring that each piece is not only beautiful but also enduring.
As Danilo notes, “Creating a mosaic pool, or any other mosaic art piece, is a very particular project that has specific rules to be followed. A pool, for example, is, in fact, an environment of its own due to the large body of water involved, the pressure that it creates on surfaces and the specific features of the climate it creates.”
He adds, “Creatively, the first thing I do is establish an understanding of what the client’s tastes and expectations are and translate them into something that is technically sound and functional. After solving the technical aspects of the project, I work with the client to determine the design direction of the pool and types of patterns they prefer. At this point, a very important choice is determining the range of colors that can be chosen to have the pool blend seamlessly with the rest of the house and property. As we begin to hone in on colors and patterns based on client preferences, we then select the material and size of the tiles. If there is an artistic pattern element to the pool, I then proceed to create it in my workshop and, once it’s ready, bring it to the job site.”
As Danilo continues to innovate and expand his portfolio, he remains a student of his craft, dedicated to perfecting his art. His goal is simple yet profound: to give 100% to every project, striving for a level of perfection that, while elusive, drives him to constantly evolve and excel in his art.
