Cover story of Melbourne Times November 5th, 1986

VOLONNINO CARVES PLACE IN HISTORY

By Robin Pappas — Times Writer

Throughout history, wood carvings and sculptures of faces and heads have been a mark of culture.

Wooden objects have been included in worship ceremonies, used as decorations or totems and exchanged as tokens of affection.

In keeping with the tradition of the woodcarver, Ed Volonnino of Melbourne creates what he calls "Ed's Heads."

The heads, carved from the trunks of cabbage and sable palm — woods that are plentiful in Florida — represent Volonnino's own cultural offering.

Some heads are bright and whimsical, some are serious and demure.

"My ideas are mine — I try to make them all different," Volonnino said.

"I dream them up and get little ideas from the ancient Aztecs, the Mayans — and from present-day cartoons."

What keeps his work fresh, he said, has been the addition of paint to the heads, after years of leaving them in their natural state.

He now uses pastel coloring to make the final product pleasing to the viewer's eye, to enhance the sense of fun and to appeal to those who appreciate unique design.

"The idea for coloring the heads actually came when Leon Russell was performing at Brassy's in '84," he said. "I made a Leon head, and gave it to him.

"His manager called me sometime after that and asked me if they could use it for an album cover. He said that Leon had painted the head himself. I was worried because people really don't normally paint another artist's work, but Leon did a beautiful job. I was really pleased."

That head appears on the album cover for Leon Russell's "Solid State" and Volonnino is credited for the art.

Volonnino began his career in 1973 while a sophomore at Titusville High School.

With no background in sculpture, he began to make clay heads. The work was good enough that teachers began to purchase them.

He transferred to Cocoa Beach High School the next year, and became known there as well for his artistry. He realized considerable artistic success while still a student.

For about a year after graduation, he tried other types of work, but was unhappy and decided to make a living as an artist. He was instantly successful.

"I started carving when I was 20," he said. "It came naturally. A lot of people ask me to teach them to carve. I can't teach them, but I can get them tools, etc. and tell them to keep at it and not give up.

"To influence someone else is a good thing, I think."

His success has been noted by the television program, P.M. Magazine. The producers taped Volonnino and his work in restaurants, hotels and homes throughout Brevard.

The feature, shown nationwide, was televised here a month ago.

Volonnino owns ancient wooden carvings from Thailand and India.

"They are temple figures and the paint is old and worn," he said. "They change and get character as they age. My sculptures will, too. The paint will fade, but it will gain character."

Volonnino carves every day. When he isn't working at home, patrons and fans can find him carving at the corner of SR A1A and the Eau Gallie Causeway. The least expensive carving goes for about $50, he said. The price depends on how the carving turns out.

He takes pride in his work.

"I don't manufacture heads," he said. "I make each one as if I own it."

"Everything you do reflects back on you."

For more information, call Ed Volonnino at 725-2194. Or stop by his home and workshop at 451 Coconut Drive in Indialantic.

HEAD MAN: Sculptor Volonnino sits among some of his creations.