photography
Interviews,  INTERVIEWS,  IntImate Interview

Mobile Photography & Art – ‘Intimate Interview’ with Stefania Piccioni from Ascoli, Marche, Italy

Our fifty second interview in this new series of intimate interviews is with talented mobile photography and artist, Stefania Piccioni from Ascoli, Marche, Italy. This is an interview that is sure to get your creative juices flowing. Enjoy!

To read the other published interviews in this series including artists, Adria Ellis, Rino Rossi, Mehmet Duyulmus, Alexis Rotella, Lou Ann Sanford Donahue, Irene Oleksiuk, Kerry Mitchell, Filiz Ak, Dale Botha, Lisa Mitchell, M. Cecilia Sao Thiago, Deborah McMillion, Rita Colantonio, Amy Ecenbarger, Jane Schultz, Anca Balaj, Joyce Harkin, Armineh Hovanesian, Kate Zari Roberts, Vicki Cooper, Peter Wilkin, Barbara Braman, Becky Menzies, Sukru Mehmet Omur, Sarah Bichachi, Michel Pretterklieber, Alon Goldsmith, Judy Lurie Whalberg, Andrea Bigiarni, Sean Hayes, Oola Cristina, Kathleen Magner-Rios, Linda Toki, Deb Field, Emilo Nadales, Lydia Cassatt, David Hayes, Jean Hutter, Frederic Deschênes, Mark Schnidman, Fatma Korkut, Fleur Schim, Rob Pearson-Wright, Dieter Gaebel, James Ellis, Marco P Prado, Jeronimo Sanz, Manuela Matos Monteiro, Bleu Chemiko, Manuela Basaldella and myself, go here.

All images ©Stefania Piccioni

What was your earliest childhood ambition?

My father was a photographer too. When I was eight he gave me a Kodak Instamatik as a gift…Of course it was just a game, so, I decided I was going to become a Photographer  and In 1984 I began my studies at Istituto d’Arte Osvaldo Licini in Ascoli Piceno, then I got my diploma in Artistic Photography. At the age of 19 I started to work in the sector of wedding photography, in which I stayed for several years.

First Recognition?

I won an award in a Photography Contest when I was a photography student at the age of 17.

First Job?

I worked as my father’s workplace as a photography assistant for a year, then I started working as a wedding photographer.

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‘My father at work, 1966’ ©Stefania Piccioni

Private or State school?

I attended the parish primary school in Martinsicuro under the care of the  Conceptionist sisters of the Order of the Immaculate Conception. Later I attended the secondary State school .

University or work?

After graduating I started working full time.

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‘My son Lorenzo in the classroom with his schoolmates 2018’ ©Stefania Piccioni

Who was or still is your mentor?

My father has been a good reference point; I like his work and he has taught me so much about my line of work.

How physically fit are you?

I have always been involved in sports since I was small, I used to play volleyball…Without false modesty, I think I’ve stayed very fit over the years (LOL)…Anyway, actually, I work out every day by combining run intervals with some muscle strengthening exercise for a total body workout .

Ambition or Talent. What matters more to success?

No doubt, they both matter, Because it does take skill and practice, too.

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My publication on catalogue and art book “Il Corpo solitario – l’autoscatto nella fotografia contemporanea” by Giorgio Bonomi 2017 – 2018′ ©Stefania Piccioni

How politically committed are you?

I matured in my thinking about ethics, politics, but I do not get involved in politics.

What would you like to own that you don’t currently possess?

I’m not materialistic person, I got everything I need under this roof; first of all, my family my husband and my guys, love and the comfort of a beautiful house… I still have some dreams that I want to make it come true, I don’t want to jinx it…

What is your biggest extravagance?

Ah so many, It would take a week to talk about… Never mind.!!!!

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‘Self Portrait’ ©Stefani Piccioni

In which places are you happiest?

Every summer and each winter we go of the Dolomites. This place is very good in the winter for skiing, in summer for hiking and breathtaking views of the surroundings. you can enjoy a fantastic 360 degree view of the Dolomite Alps, the perfect place to focus on our soul and relax the body.

But also I love the sea in winter, where I do long lonely walks.

What ambitions do you still have?

So many every day!!!! I would like to improve my English, and learn to speak Spanish. Read all the world’s books. .But that’s not possible,. I know I know !! I’d like to help people in need, maybe with my photography… There are more things to be said but I stop here…

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‘Giorgio Bonomi and I, Art Critic, Curator and writer on Art 2017’ ©Stefania Piccioni

What drives you on?

Every day I drive my enthusiasm, my curiosity, my love for my work.

What is the greatest achievement of my life so far?

I am proud that I was able to take care of my  two sons, they’ve improved and have more confidence in their means.  I’m soooo proud about my marriage, proud to be married 24 years. Professionally, I would like to give just two recent examples: In recent years. My work  are published in an art book and appeared in a leading photography magazine. Giorgio Bonomi, the  writer on art and important art critic, has been curator of the my Photography solo exhibition. I still want to continue grow…

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‘Portrait of my son, Stefano, 2016’ ©Stefania Piccioni

What do you find most irritating in other people?

Arrogance combined with ignorance can be a big problem!!!!!

If your twenty year old self could see you now, what would she think?

I think she’d be proud.

Which object that you have lost do you wish you still had?

Twenty years ago, I accidentally left my “Carol Alt Persol” sunglasses on the bench. … It was a gift from my husband… I want my sunglasses back . That’s all.

What is the greatest challenge of our time?

I believe it to be of overriding importance that we protect our planet.

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“Adriatic” portfolio “Biodegradabile” 2016 ©Stefania Piccioni

Do you believe in the afterlife?

Yes.

If you had to rate your life satisfaction so far, out of ten, what would it be?

Eight.

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from Dolomites Diary portfolio “Gianni le Nuvole e il Panorama” 2016 ©Stefania Piccioni

Contact Details for Stefania Piccioni

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Joanne Carter is a British photography journalist, editor, curator, and the founder of *TheAppWhisperer.com*, one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to mobile photography and art. Since its launch in 2009, TheAppWhisperer has become an international hub for artists of all levels to discover, learn, exhibit, and engage with contemporary photographic practice.Built on principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and artistic excellence, Joanne has spent almost two decades championing mobile photography as a serious artistic medium. Through interviews, critical essays, exhibitions, competitions, and education, she has helped shape and document the evolution of mobile art on a global scale.Her work has taken her internationally, lecturing on photography and mobile art at institutions and events including the Museum of Art in Seoul, South Korea, alongside appearances in the UK and Europe. She has served as a juror for international photography and mobile art awards across Portugal, Canada, the United States, South Korea, Italy, and the UK.Joanne is also the founder of *TheAppWhispererPrintSales.com*, one of the first online galleries dedicated exclusively to collectible mobile art, connecting artists with collectors across Europe, the United States, and Asia.Before founding TheAppWhisperer, Joanne worked extensively in print journalism and photographic publishing, including roles at a paparazzi photo agency and as deputy editor of a leading photography magazine. Her freelance journalism, criticism, and commentary have been published widely in both the UK and the US, with bylines in *The Times*, *The Sunday Times*, *The Guardian*, *Popular Photography*, *NikonPro*, *DPReview*, *Which?*, *Vogue Italia*, *LensCulture*, the *BBC*, and more recently, the *Financial Times*, where her published letters on photography continue to contribute to wider conversations around the medium.Alongside her editorial and curatorial work, Joanne’s own photographic practice has been exhibited internationally across the UK, Europe, South Korea, and the United States. Her work increasingly explores themes of grief, loss, death, memory, and the body.Her current research interests centre on grief, death, and poverty, with forthcoming postgraduate study leading towards doctoral research in these areas.Joanne is currently developing new long-form writing and photographic projects and is available for commissions, editorial projects, speaking engagements, and collaborations.Contact: joannetheappwhisperer@gmail.com)