LILLO DELL'UTRI

Lillo Dell'Utri was born in Sicily and raised there. In London, he developed his natural talent and refined his skills in different painting disciplines and photography. A master of painting and photography, he marries Italy's extraordinary convention of portraits with today's state-of-the-art photographic techniques. The result is his unique ability to replicate proposals and environments, capturing with his visionary affectability the excellence of identities portrayed. His passion for Arabian horses and the desert has taken him to Dubai, the pearl of the Gulf, where he currently lives. With his mobile studio, Lillo can reach clients in the cosiness of their own homes, wherever they are in the world. **************************************************** 1. Hello Lillo. Welcome on board! Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself? 1. Hello everyone! I was born in beautiful Sicily, the pearl of the Mediterranean Sea and the most beautiful island in the world. I grew up there and graduated in Technical Engineering. At age 21, I left for London, looking for luck, doing any kind of job to support myself financially. I also worked as a waiter at restaurants. Then, I started doing photography, from photography to wedding photography, and from this, I turned out to be a portrait painter. This is how it all started in London! 2. Did you dream of becoming a painter as a child or did you have other aspirations? 2. As a child, my dream was to become a great singer like James Brown. I used to play blues staff, like Zucchero Fonarciari's rhythm and blues, a very famous Italian singer. At that time, this was my greatest ambition. 3. When did you move to London? What motivated you? What were you looking for at the time that you could not find in Italy? 3. We all know that London is the city of music. I wanted to do something with music, and I thought London would give me more opportunities. It quickly became apparent that I would have a tough time finding my way there. The city is teeming with talent. For this reason, I decided to pursue photography instead. 4. What techniques do you use for painting? 4. Oil painting on canvas. I also use my computer to paint. Before painting a portrait, I prepare a digital presentation. I then send it to the client. Through my digital presentation, he/she can see what the final product will look like. I then translate the digital image into oil on canvas. This is how it works! 5. From London to Dubai. How did it all happen exactly? 5. In London, I became acquainted with several Saudis, even members of royal families from Riyadh. I was asked to paint portraits of their royalties. So, I left London for Riyadh. In reality, I kept travelling the London/Riyadh flight route for a while. But, when I discovered Dubai, I decided to settle down there. And, that's where I live now. 6. When did you first meet an Arabian horse? Why is the Arabian horse such a central theme in your artworks? 6. Riyadh is where I first saw the Arabian horse. I used to ride only purebred English horses when I lived in England. While I was in Riyadh on business, I met a Prince who owned a herd of purebred Arabian horses. My first impression of them was their beauty and perfect body conformation. It was love at first sight, and ever since that day, the Arabian horse has become my greatest source of inspiration! 7. What's your relationship with the desert and the people there? 7. Saudis are a bit like Sicilians. They're simple people, humble and down-to-earth, just like us in Sicily. I felt completely et ease when I moved there. Arabs were in Sicily for 75 years and their influence on our culture is impressive. Our local dialect contains many words of Arabic origin. I think Sicily is not Italy but the Middle East. I reckon that's the main reason I felt immediately at home once there. Meanwhile, I got married to a Muslim woman, and before that, I converted myself to Islam. 8. Have you done any Arabian horses themed exhibitions? If yes, which are they? 8. Yes, I always do. I exhibit my paintings a bit everywhere in the UAE, also here in Dubai. The subject portrayed is not always the Arabian horse, but it can also be the person and their horse. Of course, the Arabian horse remains my first and my foremost passion! Once, I was a breeder myself, I owned two mares and one stallion, so I would ride every day. Later when my beloved stallion died, I decided to sell the mares... However, I have never stopped horseback riding. I always make sure I take a ride every day, mostly at friends' riding centres. Which is your favourite painting? 9. I don't have a favourite painting over the others, you see. Each portrait tells a unique story and is unique in its own right... My self-portrait with my beloved stallion holds a special place in my heart and will always do... My stallion is still with me. 10. What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in the future? What is the best way for a potential client to reach you? 10. I must admit that the internet has had a positive impact on my art. With just one click on the keyboard, potential clients can see my artwork anywhere in the world. It's quite impressive. On my Instagram and Facebook pages, I've created dedicated virtual galleries. All of my paintings can be found there. I have clients who contact me from afar to commission portraits. I can receive pictures from anywhere in the world. From there, I can begin painting, and once complete, I return the final portrait to my client. That's how it works for me. 11. What are your hopes and dreams or future goals? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 11. My dream is to create a Coffee Chain like Starbucks, Costa or Caffé Nero, for example, but all made in Sicily, you see. I mean wine, food, sandwiches, pastries, traditional dishes with specialities strictly from Sicily. I am currently looking for a potential investor willing to join and invest in this business. I would love to build my Coffee Venue and call it "Arts Portrait Café". I will finally have a place of my own to showcase my paintings, invite people around, organize music events, etc. That's my dream! I want to bring Sicily over here. My island is the most beautiful place on earth! 12. Lillo, would you like to leave a message to the readers of this interview? 12. "Honour your life existence with a portrait of yourself for your journey to be venerated". That's my message to all readers of this interview! Thank you very much, Lillo. The Artworld is anxiously awaiting your future creations!