Arts & Entertainment

Della Santina Focuses His Lens On The World Around Him

Corte Madera photographer hosts a reception for his first gallery showing at the Mill Valley Public Library on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Joey Della Santina's first gallery showing will be something of a hometown affair, which is only appropriate for the burgeoning photographer.

Della Santina, a Corte Madera resident, is December's artist of the month at the Mill Valley Public Library, easy walking distance from his family's restaurant La Ginestra. An artist's reception begins Tuesday evening at 6 p.m.

Della Santina describes his work as contemporary. "It's a different look at everyday objects," he said. 

Find out what's happening in Larkspur-Corte Maderawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A recent graduate of Santa Clara University, Della Santina is looking forward to a local display of 19 images. "It's my first solo show and it's nice to have it here where I grew up."

The Marin Catholic grad is actually part of two legendary restaurant families in the Bay Area. The Della Santinas made Marin Joe's in Corte Madera and Della Santina's in Sonoma local landmarks. His mother's family, the Aversas, came to America from Sorrento, Italy, and opened La Ginestra in 1964.

Find out what's happening in Larkspur-Corte Maderawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Della Santina's artwork traces his roots, capturing the nightlife of North Beach and the streetlife of Rome, Italy.

Della Santina captures scenes from around world that depict the enduring art that exists in architecture, textiles and nature.

In the artist's statement that accompanies the gallery showing, Della Santina wrote: "My photography professor wore purple clothing, quoted Nietzsche, and photographed Nick Cave and Radiohead. She abhored anything remotely normal. In her class I learned to look at the world through a different lens. Now I filter urban landscapes and the natural world through my imagination, with the help of my camera.

"With my photos I aim to convey the beauty of our surroundings. We have created timeless urban sculptures, and we try hard to keep nature intact, especially in Marin. In the spirit of modernism, I believe that clever and timeless art and design can brighten up our lives and make the world a better place."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Larkspur-Corte Madera