Atzori Simona

Simona was born without arms and has lived with phocomelia since birth. At the age of four, she began to paint using her feet, teaching herself the basics and quickly discovering a deep love for art. Her talent was soon recognised by the painter and writer Mario Barzon, who encouraged and supported her artistic development.

In 1983, Simona received a scholarship from the Association. She later took part in the international VDMFK exhibition at the Palazzo Ruspoli in Rome in 1992, where her work gained widespread attention. That same year, during a private audience with Pope John Paul II, she presented His Holiness with a portrait she had painted of him — an event covered by the Catholic weekly Famiglia Cristiana.

In 1996, Simona decided to dedicate herself fully to art and enrolled at the University of Western Ontario in Canada, where she studied Visual Arts and graduated with honours in 2001. She became an Associate Member of the Association in 2000 and a Full Member in March 2002. Over the years, she has exhibited her work widely in Italy — in cities such as Florence, Rome, and Milan — as well as internationally. Her art has earned numerous awards and extensive media recognition.

Beyond painting, Simona is also an accomplished ballet dancer. She began taking ballet lessons at the age of six and has achieved great success in this field, combining grace, discipline, and creativity across both her artistic and dance careers.