MEET THE DESIGN TEAM

Peter C. Cilio, Campania's creative director, is now responsible for the creation and selection of the Campania product line. His discerning eye, developed from a keen interest in garden designs, architecture, and art history, has proven an invaluable asset. While Peter continues to explore and refine classic garden traditions in his designs, he is not afraid to innovate. His introductions range from refined classicism to elegant whimsy, and from cutting edge modern to sophisticated country. Since Peter is an avid gardener, he understands what is appropriate for garden art, especially texture, patina and the softening effects of age and weather. This sensibility, combined with clean lines and a sense of proportion create the classic Campania look.

In house, Peter is responsible for the design and mold-making department, the cornerstone of which is Eddie Martinez. Eddie is a self-taught artist with multiple skills, from plaster modeling, sculpting and woodworking, to mold making. Eddie and Peter collaborate continually to refine and realize Peter's design concepts. Eddie's expertise and artistic sensibility are instrumental in the development of all aspect of Campania's cast stone creations, especially our distinctive fountains and containers. His talent and commitment are integral to the success of our cast stone designs.

Alex Sanchez has worked at Campania for over 15 years. Starting out as a young man in our shipping department and then moving on to fiberglass and mold-making. Interested in design and sculpting and after working at various jobs at Campania for 10 years, Alex approached Peter and asked if there was an opportunity for him on the Product Development team. As part of his request to join the team, Alex presented Peter with some small clay sculptures that he created at home. Peter was duly impressed not only by the sculptures Alex created but by his determination and passion. Alex was hired for the team and has quickly become one of our most talented and capable craftsman. Possessing a natural sense of design and proportion, Alex works in a variety of medium from clay to plaster to wood.

As our business continues to grow in the 21st century, we recognize the importance of keeping pace with the rapid technological innovations in both design and digital modeling. In January of 2020, Ryan Hitcho joined our team to spearhead Campania’s digital design department. Ryan received a BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design for Interactive Design and has won numerous awards for his product designs. In addition to digital art, Ryan is also proficient in traditional mediums of drawing, painting and sculpture which he believes have been crucial in his development as a digital artist. Ryan has been instrumental in improving our capabilities in 3D printing and modeling, 3D imaging and in-house CAD drawings, all of which allow us to more efficiently execute complex designs with precision and greatly expands our in-house design capabilities. As a multi-faceted member of Campania’s design team, Ryan also creates wonderful small sculptures for the Campania repertoire.

Peter also oversees a group of talented independent artists and craftsmen. For the past ten years, Campania has been privileged to work with master craftsman and technical advisor, Ahmed Suliman. Ahmed is a classically trained artisan and master of period architectural ornament. His expertise also includes work in scagliola and architectural restoration. Ahmed's extensive knowledge and talent in all aspects of the creation of architectural ornament and molds is an invaluable resource. Employing his knowledge of color and pigment, Ahmed also consults with Peter Cilio in the development of Campania's new patinas.

Fiona Jane Scott was born in Kenya where her father, a colonel in the British Army, was stationed. The family moved often during his time in the army and Fiona experienced many places and lifestyles. But as she moved from place to place, it was the garden that became her haven and refuge. Fiona always loved art and creating. Captivated by the stories her mum read to her as a child, she wanted to become a toymaker like in the old fairytales. This love of fantasy and her love of animals have inspired her to create mythical dragons and other whimsical creatures for the garden. She began sculpting in 1992 when a friend asked her to create a sculpture for her garden. She has not stopped since. She has worked on special effects for two of the Harry Potter movies and is now a full-time sculptor living in Hove, England. In 2006, she started her own company to product her distinctive garden statuary. Fiona has now brought her passion for imaginative high quality garden statuary to Campania for our newest line of cast stone garden ornaments - Mythicals.

In 2021, we mourned the sudden passing of our dear friend Ken Memoli. Ken sculpted for Campania for over 20 years and was an integral part of the Campania team. Ken’s incredible talent, keen powers of observation and boundless creativity combined to create a prolific body of work which includes some of Campania’s best loved and most beautiful sculptures. Whether realistic or whimsical, Ken brought garden sculpture to life. Particularly proficient in animal sculptures, Ken gave every animal sculpture he created an uncanny realism and animation. Ken always knew he wanted to sculpt and was inspired by his grandfather, a sculptor whose work includes projects on Mount Rushmore and Stone Mountain, Georgia. Ken studied sculpture at the University of Hartford and Oklahoma University and did independent and commission work for over 30 years. Ken will be deeply missed by the Campania family. Certainly, Ken would be pleased and proud to know that his legacy will live on in all the sculptures that he created, and which will continue to bring joy and beauty to many.

In December 2016, we mourned the passing of our dear friend Mary Smith. Our most prolific sculptor, Mary worked with Campania for over 20 years. A self-taught sculptor and painter, with a background in textiles, Mary was a talented master of subjects and styles who thrived on variety and artistic challenges. Her beautiful and enduring designs, from birdbaths to sculptures, are some of Campania's most beloved pieces. Her designs are classics of the Campania repertoire and are testament to her exceptional talent and creativity. Always smiling, Mary radiated youthful energy and inner calm. Her boundless artistic and intellectual curiosity and positive outlook on life and its challenges were inspirational to all who knew her. She is missed by all of her many friends at Campania.