Meet Stromboli sculptor Salvatore Russo
Stromboli is easily distinguished by its perfect conical shape, rising dramatically out of the sea. The island is one of the seven Aeolian Islands that form part of the Aeolian archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage area of outstanding natural beauty. However, although best known for its active volcano and impressive night time eruptions, one of the aspects of the island that has grabbed our attention is the theme of art on Stromboli.
Over the years, the island’s beauty and striking sense of isolation has inspired many writers, artists and adventurers, including local sculptor Salvatore Russo. In the first of our collection of stories from Stromboli, we meet the sculptor to learn more about his source of inspiration and his fascinating life on this mesmerising island.
I happened upon him in Piazza San Vincenzo, where he was wandering barefoot. As he gazed down at his feet, he jokingly told me that he needed to get a new pair of shoes – ‘I’ve had these since I was born’, he smiled.
Salvatore as a young man
Salvatore has spent his whole life on Stromboli, bar a brief period of time when he was delivered in 1964 at the maternity unit of the Ospedale Civile on Lipari. His father, who came from Lipari, was a stone mason and from a young age, disinterested in school, Salvatore’s motivation lay in working with his father, specifically with his hands.
Before becoming a sculptor, Salvatore was a stone mason, building houses and creating iconic interiors for celebrities such as Italian actress Angela Finocchiaro, and Dolce and Gabbana. In 1998, the famous fashion duo bought a historic property comprising 3 houses – the 3 separate entrances are still visible. Salvatore was responsible for the entire project, linking the 3 houses, and overseeing the fabulous interiors including the amazing mosaic tiling. You can read more about the property in Home Journal.
In 1986, Italian sculptor Lorenzo Reina came to Stromboli on holiday and was commissioned by the owner of the Hotel Sciara to create a sculpture. His first task was to source the material, and the rock he found on the beach by the port was transported by Salvatore and his father. After collaborating on the sculpture with Reina, Salvatore’s father turned to sculpture, as, in turn, did Salvatore.
Salvatore Russo’s art on Stromboli
He created his first piece of art on Stromboli in 2009. Most of his work is sculpted out of the local lava stone which, according to Russo, has already been sculpted by nature. In fact, as we walk down the beach, Salvatore tells me he sees faces in some of the stones. Rather than just being bare rocks, each one has a story to tell and evokes particular emotions.
Today, the sculptor prefers to stay on Stromboli. He has travelled extensively, transporting his work worldwide, but now has no desire to be anywhere other than on the island. He hosts art, music, literary and cultural events and exhibits his work in his inspirational garden and studio. His award-winning sculptures are dotted throughout the garden, standing silently amidst fruit trees and vibrant blooms, each telling their own story in a blissful setting where art and nature intertwine, overshadowed by the backdrop of a smoking volcano.
Book an Art Retreat on Stromboli
You can find out more about Salvatore’s art on his Instagram feed. New for 2025, we’re running an Art Retreat on Stromboli spending part of the week participating in art workshops set in the gardens of the sculptor’s villa. The Retreat offers the perfect way to discover the secret side to Stromboli, its art, gastronomy and extraordinary landscapes.
