Fabrizio Caforio

Introducing: Fuz Caforio
Wildlife Art Master Class Artist

Fabrizio Caforio, or "Fuz" as he prefers to be called, was born to an Italian family in Johannesburg. From his African home, close to the creatures of nature that grace his art, he can trace his creative roots to Florence, Italy, where his great grandfather was a sculptor. Recognizing his artistic gift from a young age, Fuz has been painting for more than half of his life.

Fuz has devoted the last decade of his career to the study of large cats, refining technique and style to capture these magnificent felines on canvas. The exquisite detail and life-like quality of his art comes from painstaking research. Much time is spent in the wild bush, at game parks and breeding research stations, collecting the necessary references before he goes into the studio to paint (“stroke”).

Fuz Caforio's style can be described as painterly realism, the medium being fine acrylic on Belgian linen canvas. Trained as a designer-illustrator, he applies all the disciplines of these art forms to his style. He trained further under the late Proffessore Pagi, who taught him the finer skills of painterly application. Over the years Fuz has refined his technique to a point where fur patterns and textures are vividly & authentically reproduced, and where eyes & breath & movement express the life and character of the subject - all the while working with a passion and energy that leaves no room for lifeless reductionism or pedantry.

Fuz has held numerous exhibitions around the world over the last 17 years – particularly in South Africa and the USA (where his work has sold for up to $25,000) - and has had a traveling exhibition of his limited edition prints in Japan, in conjunction with the Japan Wildlife Centre.

Fuz’s ambition is to assist, through his profile in the art world, the many non-governmental organisations that are striving to conserve our natural heritage.

To date his work has helped to raise funds for:
the W.W.F., De Wildt Cheetah Research, Dr. Jane Goodall, Bird Life South Africa, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, the Endangered Species Protection Unit, the Green Trust, the Honorary Rangers of South Africa, and the Community Emergency Shelter Organisation of Chicago.

Fuz Caforio paintings are desired by private and corporate collectors around the world.

To see Fuz's work in USA, Dubai or South Africa: please send an e-mail.

To see Fuz's work in the UK:
Next exhibition containing his artwork will be the NEWA 2007 in the North West:
National Exhibition of Wildlife Art.
19th July - 5th August. 9.30am - 6pm.
Free Admission.
Gordale Nursery & Garden Centre,
Burton, Chester High Road [A450]
Wirral, Merseyside.
For an invite to the private viewing this Thursday 19th July: 6pm - 9pm
please contact Chris Nalder on 01243 372188.

2001: 1st Place Ribbon at the Florida Wildlife Art Exposition [USA].

2003: Accepted as Member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists in New York City [USA].

2004: Awarded the Silver Medallion at The Wildlife Art Society International annual awards [UK].

2005: Awarded The NEWA Commendation (International Artist of the Show)[UK]

.. and the TWASI Bronze Medallion [UK]

2006: Wildscape Wildlife Artist of the Year Award: 'Winner, Professional Category', and 'Overall Winner'.

Acrylics, Canvas, Drawing, Oils, Pencil/Charcoal, Watercolour

Wildlife

South Africa, South Africa