Luisa Cotardo, a life coach with a difference
It was in her hometown of Lecce, a small town in the southernmost tip of Puglia, that Luisa Cotardo learned the craft of Cartapesta Leccese, an ancient papier-mâché technique used to create church statuary and architectural - amongst the finest representations ever produced in Italy.
Basing her skills on such an illustrious artistic past, Luisa today creates contemporary artefacts, most notably roses, blossoms of exquisite beauty. Each rose is individually crafted using papers found through her travels, some previously discarded, some painstakingly hand-made. Some of these are coloured with natural dyes and left to dry in the sun.
“... Making roses takes me to special places and special people; and a simple craft through which I weave the rich tapestry of life, my life. Making roses is a metaphor of following one’s way, one’s talent,” says Luisa proudly wearing one of her creations on her finger.
Luisa claims to have found stronger directions in life through her creative stride using different art media expressions. Her art pieces are in many private and public collections around the world.
Before devoting her life to her roses – Luisa worked as a music and art journalist, worldwide, hosting her own radio show for many years. Jeff Buckley, Stewart Copeland, Bob Geldof, Luciano Pavarotti, Lou Reed, Al Jarreau, Barry White are some of the personalities she has interviewed over the waves.
The 'Making a Rose' workshop
Luisa Cotardo has started a 6-month innovative Awareness Coaching workshop at the London Meditation.
Based on Awareness Architecture, the course enables students to gain a greater appreciation of one’s perception . The more you are aware of yourself the closer you feel to your true self.
Luisa will teach students the ancient art of Cartapesta Leccese, coupled with her very own contemporary techniques – a truly unique way to make your own roses ‘blossom’. But Luisa’s role goes beyond the teachings of Cartapesta. She acts as an Awareness Architect, enabling students to get closer to forgotten dreams through the healing effects of creativity.
The ‘Making Rose’ workshop - already a success with both adults and children - shares a sense of gentleness in tranquil surroundings. The use of scissors is not permitted, for example, paper required for the cartapesta is torn, gently, by hand.
Making Cartapesta roses, expressing oneself, helps students to relax, focus on their senses and embark on a voyage of self-discovery - it sharpens their awareness. Clear awareness enhances the quality of perception.
Only organic materials, including homemade glues will be used to model Cartapesta, as well as imagination, patience and love. Luisa used Paulo Coelho’s book, one of her favourite’s, to craft her latest roses.
Blooming roses bring joy in the hearts of people.
