We recently connected with Caroline Lizarraga and have shared our conversation below.

Caroline, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

At the age of 18, I embarked on my first journey to Italy, a decision that would forever change my perspective on craft. During my time there, I dove deep into the world of restoration, slowly uncovering the essence of true craftsmanship. I launched my decorative painting business 25 years ago, incorporating techniques I learned in Italy while adding my unique touches. Using methods like gold leafing, plastering, murals, and marbling, I have worked on some of the most stunning hotels, restaurants, and homes across the United States. Yet, the charm of Italy never faded from my thoughts. I yearned to revisit, to fully engage in Italy’s vibrant culture and incredible artistry again. A decade ago, serendipity graced my life when I met my now-husband. He introduced me to the mesmerizing southern tip of Puglia, a place brimming with crafts that were new and exciting to me, yet resonated deeply within. It sparked a realization within me, leading to a bold decision: to open a new chapter in my career. I envisioned a space where I could share my passion—teaching courses each year that not only showcased my painting techniques but also celebrated the vibrant crafts and lifestyle of Puglia. This journey, a tapestry woven with experiences and discoveries, was just the beginning of a lifelong adventure in the heart of Italian craftsmanship. “Curiosare” (which means to be curious in Italian), was founded to bring a small, intimate group to Puglia for a lifestyle course that involves painting with me and discovering all the art and beauty this land has to offer, from meeting artisans to exploring architecture and gastronomy. It is truly a passion project for me that I have been dreaming about my whole life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a decorative artist. I think a great way to describe what I do is that I am trying to bring fine art to your wall. Each wall I do is one of a kind made specifically for the space. Everything I do is by hand, so you are getting a one of a kind.
My background is in fashion design but I had a great love for furniture. I found myself always hinting and buying pieces at garage sales and flea markets. My first piece I transformed, I paid $20 for and a local designer saw it and offered me $1200 for it. At that time and my age I thought maybe I should pursue this, so I proceeded to study decorative arts as an apprentice for the next few years. I then launched my business and 25 years later, I am still creating walls and furniture pieces all over the world.
We work with designers, architects, chefs, hoteliers, and home owners . My job is to create an environment, evoke a feeling from the finishes I put on the walls. There really is a different energy in a room when the walls are hand done. Sometimes the finish can be obvious, but sometimes it is subtle and the mood in the room is enhanced.
When you are working with us, the sky is the limit so we can do anything on the wall. So its your chance to be as creative as possible in this experience. Most of the time, people don’t realize this is feasible, so when they realize the potential of what the walls and the space can be, it is incredibly exciting to witness the change.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Art is everywhere. And if you can’t find it, you aren’t looking hard enough. That one artist knows many other artists, so ask that artist to recommend more artists to you until you find what you are looking for. Go to art shows, open studios and don’t be afraid to ask questions. They want to share their story and process. Also the next time you go to buy something off the shelf, challenge yourself to find someone to create an original for you.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Honestly everyday I wake up and I feel so excited and inspired to go to work. I actually can’t believe I get to do this everyday. This is a total passion for me and the fact that people trust me to create these spaces for them is just the most rewarding experience I could ever imagine. Another part I love about my job, is that sometimes clients who maybe didn’t consider themselves creative, unleash that part of themselves with me. I love seeing them realize they are creative and maybe they can’t paint the wall, but their ideas and feedback are shaping the environment around them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carolinelizarraga.com www.curiosareitalia.com
• Instagram: @caroline_lizarraga @curiosareitalia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinelizarraga

Image Credits

Dario Garofalo www.dariogarofalo.com 1st photo
R. Brad Knipstein www.knipstein.com photo 4
Catherine Nguyen www.catherinenguyen.com photo 6
Marta Perez www.martaxperez.com photo 8