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Printer-Friendly ModeThe Canvas: Paolo Pedini
April 28, 2008 —
Starting May 9, the newly-opened Magic Bean Cafe in Saginaw will highlight SVSU artist Paolo Pedini's work. Pedini, a graphic design senior graduating this semster, is a frequent customer of the cafe and is thrilled to have his artwork displayed.
This coffee shop, cafe, and hang out spot in Saginaw encourages artists, particularly students, to display their work in the shop. Magic Bean, located at 5789 State Rd., caters to a wide variety of customers ranging from students to business groups.
"I have had many conversations with the owners and the manager. I wanted to be invited by them to show my work," Pedini said.
This opportunity is particularly exciting for him because he will show some selections of his painted works, another medium that he expressed interest in.
A student of art for as long as he can remember, Pedini grew up drawing, painting, and playing with clay. His parents spent a lot of time nurturing his growing talent. He jokes that his parents only encouraged art as a way to keep him busy.
"My mom took the time to sit with me and show me how to draw shapes and always made sure I had plenty of supplies to work with."
Influenced by artists such as Erno Klajo, Keemo, Chris Silva, David Carson, Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Bansky and Jean Michel Basquiat, he has become interested in a wide variety of genres centering on postmodernism, social satire, street art, and other pop cultural art styles.
In the past few years, Pedini has also had a number of other shows and was awarded a $10,000 grant by SVSU for a mural project in Saginaw, consisting of four huge murals with inspirations drawn from local stories. He also founded and is president of SVSU's local artist group, University Artistry.
"The group was needed by the art department. It's really good for getting our ideas into the community in a positive way."
In working on his own art, Pedini says that he most enjoys when the line between art and the rest of the world becomes blurred.
"It is my feeling that art does not, by definition, require a canvas and paint. Art can be made from almost anything, and it is exciting to be surprised by the use of unexpected materials."
In the future, Pedini intends to continue work as an artist and graphic designer and hopes to always try new things in his exploration of personal expression.
The Magic Bean exhibit opens up on May 9. The cafe's hours are Monday- Friday 7:00-10:00, Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
