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Fiorenzo Bellina | Photo by Kristina Petrikonytė

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Fiorenzo Bellina – a florist, artist, and aesthetics educator from Italy – blends craftsmanship, philosophical perspective, and human sensitivity analysis in his creative work. His practice goes beyond creating floral arrangements; it is an exploration of the synthesis between art and life, rooted in principles of universal proportions, harmony of color and form.

Starting from floral design, Bellina’s journey has led him into interdisciplinary creation, where aesthetics becomes a living practice. Today, he runs two art galleries in Tuscany, leads educational workshops around the world, and inspires not only artists but also chefs, entrepreneurs, and homemakers to awaken their creative impulses and turn daily life into an aesthetic experience.

He came to Lithuania to lead a "living aesthetics" workshop at the Amres Art gallery, and in this interview, he shares thoughts on his creative path, the influence of artist and ontopsychology pioneer Antonio Meneghetti, and why even washing curtains can become an aesthetic act.

– How did your creative method, based on the search for aesthetics, begin and develop?

I started with floristry - I studied under a master from Italy’s national school of floristry. Over time, I realized that the process of aesthetics is not only about flowers, though they, like all of nature, are inherently beautiful and aesthetic - it encompasses much more. It became my life philosophy, something that can be applied to every area of life - even to cooking soup.

About twenty years ago, I conducted an experiment that shaped my later work - I invited around twenty florists and proposed they do something new: to paint and explore color. We’ve worked together ever since. Later, I began including people from other fields. Each time, we discovered that essentially everyone has a sense of aesthetics - it just takes the will to bring it out. This is valuable for everyone.

Currently, I have two art galleries in Pietrasanta, Tuscany. This small town of just over 23,000 residents has a particularly vibrant art scene, with as many as 45 art galleries. One of mine also functions as a floristry studio and a space for art education. I share my knowledge on a global scale and travel frequently.

– You describe aesthetics as a universal human ability. How does it manifest in everyday life?

The aesthetic sense is our ability to recognize balance and harmony. If the Fibonacci sequence exists in nature, it must also be within us. When we restore this proportional balance, we create a nurturing environment for people. Everyday tasks - like washing curtains - can also be aesthetic experiences if done with awareness. In fact, we perform many aesthetic actions daily, but we often don’t notice or enjoy them.

– You mentioned that much of contemporary art lacks proportion, in your opinion.

Yes, today’s art is very liberated and has rejected proportions as unnecessary. A young artist, fresh from school, seems free to create anything, but often lacks a foundation - one that is built on the science of proportion. I believe it’s essential to return to this foundation and restore aesthetic harmony. And this isn’t just fancy language - these ideas are supported by physics and other sciences. They affect us deeply and transform us.

– You've said that Italian artist and founder of ontopsychology Antonio Meneghetti had a strong influence on you. What drew you to his theories?

First, I was captivated by his art - he created at a level that much of today’s contemporary art lacks. Then I became interested in his theories about the semantic field - the idea that we all exist in a space of constant, wordless information exchange, sensing the environment and each other.

From Meneghetti, I learned the value of living knowledge and a living process. I’ve been teaching and sharing knowledge for about forty years, and I still don’t feel routine - it remains alive and fascinating.

I’ve met many people in life who have built great careers and earned a lot of money, only to reach a point where they no longer want anything. We need to renew ourselves every day.

– How is Meneghetti’s and your own concept of "ontological art" received in Italy, where classical art traditions dominate?

Abstract art is not widely accepted in Italy - many people lack the education to "read" it. Classical art is more directly accessible and easier to understand. But I deeply believe in this kind of art and in what we offer through our galleries. That’s why we also organize many art education programs.

– What advice would you give to someone who wants to awaken their inner aesthetic sense?

Experiment. With colors, flowers, home décor - whatever you like. And create with your hands. It’s a wonderful, undervalued process. Any action can be aesthetic - if done with awareness and enjoyment. That, I believe, is the purpose of our presence on this Earth.

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