Colleen Corradi – The Journey Behind Dedalo

My journey with printmaking began in 1999 in London, where I took my first class and was instantly captivated by the rhythm, texture, and process of making prints. That initial spark grew into a deep passion, leading me to New York, where I studied at the Art Students League and spent countless hours exploring different techniques. I was fortunate to work in Bob Blackburn’s legendary studio, a space alive with energy, experimentation, and collaboration—a place that shaped my vision as an artist.

After returning home and investing in my own press, I refined my skills, experimented tirelessly, and discovered the joy of creating on my own terms. In 2006, I opened my own printmaking studio, Dedalo, named after the labyrinth of myth. Like a labyrinth, creativity is full of choices and paths—through art, we find our own centre and reconnect with ourselves. What began as a personal space for making soon expanded: with a couple of spare guest rooms, I started welcoming international artists to learn, explore, and create in the supportive, inspiring environment of Dedalo.

Today, I continue to guide students and artists in this space, sharing not just techniques but the experience of making, exploring, and discovering—both on the page and within oneself.

The location
Dedalo is located in Abruzzo, Italy, immersed in the peaceful countryside of Italy’s greenest region, far removed from the rhythm of urban life.
It provides a serene environment for concentrated creative work in the village of Castiglione a Casauria, home to the Abbey of San Clemente, a remarkable jewel of medieval architecture.

Studio Facilities and work environment

80x120 etching press
30x50 Hot plate
Bookbinding nipping press
Inking slabs
Dedicated work surfaces indoors and outdoors
Drying space for prints
Wetting station
Plate materials

Opening hours

The printmaking studio, located on the ground floor beneath the main bedrooms, is open and accessible 24 hours a day.

Class times

Morning session: from 9 am to 1pm (coffee break at 11)
Afternoon, relaxed session: from 4 pm to 7 pm

How to get to the studio

Conveniently located just 90 minutes from Rome and 30 minutes from Pescara on the Adriatic coast, Dedalo is set in a quiet village (Castiglione a Casauria) away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Getting there: From Fiumicino Airport take the direct train to Rome Tiburtina (25-30 mins travel time). From there you can catch a coach which will take you to Torre dei Passeri, where you will be picked up. The coach fare from Rome is approximately €12-15 each way, with a travel time of about two hours.
Alternatively, you can reach Pescara by coach directly from Fiumicino airport (several coaches available more or less every hour) and from there catch a train which takes you to Torre de passeri in 35-45 minutes. The ticket is about € 3-4.

Courses

Classes are tutored by Colleen Corradi Brannigan, practising artist and owner of Dedalo. Several courses are offered, some of which suitable for beginners as well as experienced printmakers. Participants are encouraged to explore a range of printmaking techniques and focus on developing a particular area of expertise. Classes run with a minimum of 2 and maximum 6 participants allowing for plenty of one-to-one bespoke tuition and support.