“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit” ~Albert Schweitzer
The Columbus Centre Toronto
Permanent Installation
Reception Wall
Salvatore Brancaccio, is a stained-glass artist extraordinaire.
His permanent installation in the reception area of the Carrier Gallery at The Columbus Centre is a testament to his hard work and generosity. All of the pieces, like much of his work have been donated.
He is a man that is just happy to be able to bring some light and joy to the people around him.
Stained glass started to intrigue Sal in 1982 and after only nine lessons he started making pieces on his own. Since then, he has been incredibly productive. From Tiffany inspired landscapes, original creations of floral bouquets, Fabergé-styled designs, and Art-Deco geometrics, his creations are as diverse as they are plentiful. “They’re made like a puzzle. I cut the glass and then the inspiration just comes to me. I have a lot of ideas in my head.”
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Brancaccios energy is infectious. This lively 82 year old, who I might add has more energy than some 20 year olds I know, is originally from Bassilici 120 km from Naples Italy. He immigrated to Canada in 1954.
A self-taught musician from childhood, “I play Mandolin, Guitar, Accordion, Mandola, and Mandocello. “ I was lucky to have been taken under a teachers wing as a young man and was taught how to read music and to transpose the compositions that I had published.”
Sal played part time in a big band in Toronto Italian Halls in the 1950s. The photo here shows Sal playing in “The Melody band” with the young opera singer Theresa Stratas who was still a student at the time. “We had a lot of good times and whatever we made we shared”
Sal always fit music into his life and after many years of working for Ford in a machine shop, long 10 hour days, he took his retirement and expanded his artistic endeavors and a new life took over. “I didn’t have the opportunity to do art before, there was just no time to be artistic.”
Along with discovering his creativity, Sal embarked on what I call an athletic quest! He has five speed walking records! He won these in races organized by Ontario Masters Athletics Association.
http://www.ontariomasters.ca/history.php
Sal has been recognized for his achievements with letters of congratulations from The Ontario Premier and has also won a National Achievement award and holds the outdoor speed walking record for men aged 70-74.
I asked Sal what he thought was the one thing that gave him such a positive state of mind towards life? His answer surprised me. He simply stated, “I hate nobody, I don’t harbor anger and jealousy towards people. I feel we are all even, we are all the same. I like everyone, I try to be positive and accepting. Some people just don’t think like that. I don’t understand why.”
As inspired by Schweitzer’s statement above, I am grateful for people like Salvatore Brancaccio who rekindle the inner spirit with their energy and creativity
Alison,
Great story thank you for the kind words. Just a point to clarify, my home town is spelt Baselice.
For now,
Sal
Thankyou Mr. Swcheitzer for acknowledging Salvatore Brancaccio in your prolific article ‘inspiring the inner fire. He is truly a wonderful human being who has literally walked into my family’s life in 1983 and has brightened all our spirits not only with his beautiful stained-glass windows but with his exceptional love of people and positive disposition. We are truly blessed by this kindred spirit. God bless Salvatore.