Raffaele grew up in both the United States and Italy. His artistic expression is now focused on nature, which he is passionate about protecting. He was inspired by the Valley of the Butterflies on Greek Island of Rhodes.
His butterflies are made of paper, then colored with professional markers or colored pencils. Each butterfly is cut, shaped by hand and displayed in shadow box frames. The butterflies he is now working on are swallowtails, monarchs and long-tail skippers. The crystal skippers are native to the southern Outer Banks.
“Now, more than ever, we need to take a deep profound look at what we do and how this effects the environment. We protect what we love.”