By Taylor Rock * Photographed by Bobby DiMarzo

Local artist and Bostonian, Giovanni Decunto is known for his breathtaking pieces and unconventional style of work. Out of interest, Decunto started painting at a very young age. In later years he went on to study art at Boston University and was granted a yearlong fellowship in Northern Italy. Here he studied civilization and classical art. Since returning from Italy, Decunto has made a name for himself as an established artist and has been recognized for his unique works locally, nationally and globally. But don’t be intimidated by his vast knowledge and teachings from some of the greatest artists known to man. Decunto believes that in order to create a successful piece “one must forget about all the tools and start from scratch, allowing ideas and inspiration to flow freely onto the canvas.” Much like his outlook on art, he shares the same beliefs on how one should live life, free spirited and without boundaries. His mindset and lifestyle have helped shaped the artist he is today, able to explore and create all genres of painting. Through his hard work and devotion
Decunto has become an artist who strives to succeed in all his endeavors.

Over the years he has occupied many studios in the surrounding area of Boston, bouncing from South Boston to the Leather District and now to reside his work in the close-knit community of the North End. Decunto has been featured in galleries and has hosted shows all over the world. Not only was he featured in Boston’s MFA but his work also hangs in the White House and the Bush Library to this day. Since then, Decunto has gone on to play with different mediums. In 2010 he released his first 3-D show in Miami to showcase his ability to work beyond just paint. One of his most recent and favorite ventures he has embarked on are portraits. He has painted celebrities like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, and more recently Shaquille O’Neal, who was presented the piece in early June at Strega on the Waterfront in honor of his retirement. Decunto finds portrait painting to be very rewarding, just knowing that all different types of people enjoy and want to collect his work, he hopes to take on more in the future. In addition to creating outstanding celebrity portraits, Decunto is also featured in several places locally in Boston. His pieces currently grace the front display window in The Childs Gallery on Newbury Street, one of Boston’s oldest galleries. You can also find his works scattered around multiple North End restaurants, such as Bricco and Artu.

In the future Decunto hopes to take on new clientele and expand his studio. See Decunto’s masterpieces for yourself by viewing his work at www.giovannidecunto.com, or stop by his studio on 15 Lewis St Boston MA, 02113.