Riccardo Spizzamiglio Artist Studio Gallery

Riccardo is what «art» is all about. When Riccardo invites you into his gallery of sculpture, you step outside the grey world we live daily into the world of the artist. When he explains each piece you feel as if you were there the moment he got his inspiration and were with him through out the welding and grinding of the metal. His works have the genius of connecting you into the inspirational spark of music, beauty, and love. He spent an hour sharing his artistic experience and his art with me, my wife, my daughter, and my grandson. When it was time to leave, we shared deep hugs. Do drop-​in and get transported into the rarified world of the artistic experience. Highly recommended.

My partner and I recently visited Riccardo’s studio. We had no previous knowledge of him or his work; this was more of a lark after spending a few lazy days in Cambria.
What a delightful and moving experience to meet him and to experience his work and his studio. Not only are his bronzes beautiful in their own right, but their placement, mounting, and illumination bring to life aspects that may have escaped the casual observer’s eye. I haven’t been everywhere but I’ve been to a few national and private museums and I think Riccardo’s art is unique and beautiful and compelling.
I believe art should elicit an emotional experience in the heart of the viewer. Sometimes that emotion is a pleasant one and sometimes it is not. It doesn’t really matter which– as an artist, I hope to affect the viewer in some way. If art is not provocative, if it does not make one happy, or sad, or angry, or introspective… or any other ‘gut feeling’, it may as well not even exist as a shared experience.
This is what happened to us during our all-​too-​brief visit with Riccardo: we were politely greeted at the gate by Riccardo. I felt an immediate affinity with him, and I could tell that art is at the very core of his spirit by how he described his work and certainly by his studio in general. The place is an extension of his being. He walked us around to the various pieces, talking proudly and affectionately about each, as if they were his children. Each was more impressive than the previous.
My partner was so moved by Sempre Avanti that tears were streaming down her cheeks.
To see and feel what she felt in that moment, how can one put that into perspective? How can one put a price on that kind of experience?
When we had to leave, Riccardo gave us his business card, we shook hands, hugged, said our good-​byes and went our separate ways. However, I couldn’t stop thinking of how strongly my partner was affected by the art and knew I would return, if only to have another look, and another experience. The next day I did return, and after about an hour of sharing with Riccardo some of my views (and struggles) as an artist, and his showing me the inner sanctum of his studio (which by the way is awesome), I knew I had to make Sempre Avanti a part of my home and a continuing part of my partner’s life.
We negotiated a fair price and he provided an estimate of when it would be finished. It is one of the best investments I have ever made, and the only aspect of this entire experience that I regret is that I could not spend more time getting to know this amazingly talented artist and very warm, engaging human being.
I’m a little perplexed and saddened by the experiences of others at Riccardo’s studio. I didn’t see or hear anything confrontational, discourteous, or hostile.
My 60+ years experience tells me that much, though not all, of what life gives you is a reflection of what you bring to the party.
As the saying goes, ‘Your results may vary.’

I unexpectedly had the pleasure of visiting Riccardo’s studio over the weekend and was in awe of not only his talent, but found him to be a warm, gentle, and deeply spiritual artist/​poet host that I wish I could visit with more often. My visit to his gallery and with him was the highlight of my weekend and left an unforgettable impression on my soul.
I was immediately intrigued by his space when I was driving through town and witnessing beautiful metal-​work as I passed by. I knew I wanted to see what was beyond the gates, but hesitated because I knew it was a working studio and I didn’t want to interrupt him when I wasn’t in a position to buy such amazing art. Miraculously, he came out without me ringing the bell and invited me in with a warm and generous reception.
I had no idea the angelic beauty I would find once I was inside and the breathtaking beauty that would envelop my senses. I cannot get the experience of his studio and pieces out of my mind. I cannot wait till the day I can either buy one of his works or commission him for a piece — it would be such an honor to have one in my space.
As far as I’m concerned, anyone who works with angels is likely an earth angel themselves. While artist temperaments can fluctuate, I only felt a deep love for what he creates and the beauty he brings into this world. I will make a point to visit every time I go through Cambria and wish him the incredible success he deserves.
Thanks for all you do Riccardo! It is a gift to the world.
With gratitude,
Christine

I would only suggest going in here if you have an avid interest in sculptures and plan to buy something.
Once you are inside, Riccardo will shut the outside gate and the only way out is if you request for him to open it. That is very awkward when all you want to do is browse around and check everything out. That is not an option. Once in, you are guided one on one by Riccardo and you cannot get away. He gets very insulted if you want to leave or aren’t interested… and how would you even know if you are or aren’t unless you go in to begin with?!
He puts people in a very awkward situation and gets very insulted if you don’t like his work or aren’t interested in buying something.

We have had the pleasure of meeting this artist on a recent trip to Cambria. It was a great opportunity for us to see his work and spend a couple ours talking with him. We purchase an amazing piece and hope to add more to our collection of fine art. Those who said he was crazy or rude do not understand or respect the heart soul that artists put in to the work. I also think some people are not able to be open enough to see what the artist is trying to convey to you. I would say Ricardo is a passionate man and artist and puts his heart and soul out on the table for you to see. I hardly think that makes I’m crazy or dangerous.

The most inviting and incredible studio and artist I have had the pleasure to meet! Ricardo welcomed my boyfriend and me into his gallery with open arms — passionately illustrating the stories and inspiration behind each of his works. We were immediately captivated by his energy and talent.
The Artist /​Work
Ricardo is deeply passionate about his work. We loved learning about his inspiration, and seeing him light up as he shared insight into his work. I’m really inspired by the art, and we feel honored to now have one of his custom pieces hanging in our house. The piece is stunning and unique — and the experience we had in buying it makes it that much more special.
The Gallery /​Studio:
His gallery is a transformed work of art! From the columns, to the upper deck — you feel like you’ve been whisked away to Italy. Ricardo’s talent has no bounds, and you see that resonate in his gallery.
Ricardo’s art came to life before our very eyes, and no review could every capture how special this studio is!

Loved Ricardo, his studio and his art. Very friendly, passionate. Took the time to explain the different pieces which really added to the appreciation. HIs work is amazing and I look forward to purchasing some pieces. Wish I had more time to spend there!

Riccardo… A really madman person
I think he is bipolar and maybe dangerous
I was for 1 week vacation in Cambria, CA this last week of september 2013.
My friend and I went for a nice walk on Main St and this demented treated us like criminals.
He was very friendly at the first minute, he shaked our hands very friendly and he showed us a bicycle or something like that hanging from the wall and he seemed very friendly.
Right after 1 minute he changed completely and he said: aren’t you into this business uh?
And he said: get out of here right now. This is a private studio, this is not a public art store !!
He was almost yelling at us like demented.
We never said a word and neither confronted him.
We looked at each other and we just left the mad house
He was very insulting and humiliating… what for?
This is a really really crazy person. He should be in a asylum or mental hospital or getting help from a professional psychiatrist .
Definitely I DO NOT recommend this… «business»…

My husband and I have lived in Cambria, him since the 70s and me since the 90s, and we never really «explore the art scene» here as most of the Galleries are touristy and the art is more of the same from Gallery to Gallery except for Riccardo Spizzamiglio’s Gallery. We watched for months as the simple A-​Frame building Riccardo rented was transformed into «A work of Art» itself. Once his Gallery opened we visited it and met Riccardo, who is passionate about art and creating interesting art. The art represented in his Gallery is brilliant, perfectly executed, unique, inspiring and ground-​breaking. I absolutely recommend this Gallery not only to tourists but to Locals as well.

Riccardo is an artist in every sense of the word. If Riccardo blows off some steam from time to time it is because some people do not understand or respect the artists creations. His studio is awesome and his art unique and museum quality. If you have the chance to see his gallery at night I suggest you take the time to do so.
William Scroggins

We love Cambria and go there often. We have introduced many friends and family members to the wonderful experience that is Cambria. Unique and always fun to visit. This last visit was amazing due to the gallery known as Riccardo. The intricacy of his art is amazing.
When you go, ring the bell on his gate and allow him to show you the heart of his art. Every piece is a part of his heart and multifaceted in its expression. If you allow him to, he and his art will capture your heart as he did ours.

Amazing person, andArtist.
Had a inspirational time with this man, love his work!

Amazing Artist!
He welcomed us in to his studio and proceeded to give us a personal tour of his magnificent works.
His work is Breathtaking and Unique!
Such a warm and hospitable artist to share his time and the heart behind the inspired works of art!
I am eternally grateful!
If you ever find yourself in Cambria, take the time to experience this wonderful gallery!

Visited this studio and was disgusted with the attitude this artist projected towards me and my girlfriend. I think that this guy is definitely a mental case. Who screams and yells and threatens people in this day and age??? Avoid at all costs!

I visited this gallery in Cambria because I have had the deep honor of knowing the artist professionally for over 10 years. The weekend I spent in Cambria hosted by Riccardo Spizzamiglio was pure joy! A naturally beautiful town near the ocean renown for being an artist colony in the early part of the 20^th century and vacation spot for movie stars because of Randolph Hearst’s castle nearby, Cambria is home to this gallery which houses his original bronze sculptures, oil paintings, glicees and much, much more, looks like a village an Italy because the artist has remodeled it himself – truly astounding. Riccardo Spizzamiglio invites guests to his gallery to experience his art, and I did. I very comfortably spent an entire weekend in his gallery. I even purchased one of his sculptures and now it is the most beautiful piece I have in my home. Not only is it a work of art, it is a memory of a precious weekend by a gifted and gracious human being and generous man.

My girlfriends and I adore the beautiful natural setting of Cambria and support the amazingly talented artist that gift us with their beauty as often as we can. When we arrived at Riccardo’s studio he invited us to «touch, turn, and have a direct experience with his art» so we proceeded to turn the beautifully crafted bronze sculptures. I and my friends work serving developmentally disabled individuals and teach social appropriateness and I consider us to be well mannered and compassionate human beings. As I turned one of the pieces the top bronze sculpture came crashing onto the floor, thankfully behind the display. Seriously, I am disabled and have a lot of weakness in my hands, and slowly turned the piece, perhaps I turned it the wrong way? Riccardo immediately charged us, balling his fist up and striking his palm, screaming how «pissed off» his was, and proceeded to scream profanities and hurl personal insults. I apologized profusely but the man, in my opinion, behaved like a deranged maniac. I and my friends were really frightened, felt our safety was threatened, and were about to be physically attacked. We were the recipients of emotional and verbal abuse. We made a quick retreat from the enraged artist, when he followed us onto the sidewalk and continued screaming and cursing us, adding public humiliation to the mix. Avoid this studio at all costs! We have written the Cambria Chamber of Commerce and hopefully they can take actions to secure the safety of visitors and shoppers.