My story begins among the respectful silences of churches and ancient buildings
and the smell of history: for years I have restored frescoes and murals, bringing ancient works back to light.
Today I define myself as a
DECORATOR
but I was born as a RESTORER
From restorer to decorator: I transform my experience in attention to detail into personalized creations that reflect the character and personality of your style.
My creative path
from Restoration to Customization
Since I was a child, I've loved drawing, creating, and observing the details of the world around me. I followed my instincts and my passion for art, enrolling at the Academy of Fine Arts in Macerata, where I chose the Painting program.
At the Academy, I discovered the world of restoration: a universe of patience, attention to detail, and a love of detail. From 2001 to 2012, I dedicated myself entirely to this profession.
Then came the desire to experiment, to combine technique and creativity… and that's how my SNEAKERS were born!
I never imagined that simple curiosity would turn into a true passion.
I started painting for myself, then for friends, then for anyone looking for a different way to express themselves.
And, step by step, this project was born: MaPet Shoes, a place where craftsmanship meets personal storytelling.
Since then, I haven't stopped. I've learned that any surface can become a canvas: shoes, but also walls, spaces, objects.
For me, being a DECORATOR means bringing surfaces to life and imagining how to transform them into something unique, that speaks of those who live them, and I believe that every story deserves to be told, even through what we wear.
My work was born from a simple idea: to transform a shoe into a personal message, a symbol that truly represents you.
If you want to add a unique touch to your shoes (or your space), write to me: together we can create something that truly represents you.
My story in brief
1995 – 2000 During my academic years, I furthered my studies in photography and restoration. I participated in numerous art exhibitions and competitions: 1998 – Montecalvo in Foglia (PU): I won first prize in the painting competition. 1998 – Milan: I was selected for a group painting exhibition at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. I also exhibited in Como, Marina di Ravenna, and Altea, Spain. 2000 I earned a degree in Painting, with a thesis in Restoration. 2001 – 2012 I dedicated myself to RESTORATION, which has become my main professional activity. 2012 A new adventure begins: "MaPet Shoes" by Maura Petrini During this period, I specialized in hand-painted customization of sneakers, and my creations are increasingly appreciated for their originality and style.
FUN FACT: The brand's name comes from my initials, Maura Petrini. I immediately liked the sound of MAPET SHOES because it reminds me of a classic television series that I loved as a child, "The Muppet Show." 2014 - 2015 I collaborated with TOD'S, an Italian luxury brand known for its high-quality leather shoes and accessories and craftsmanship, designing graphics for the Hogan Rebel line. A valuable experience that allowed me to enter the world of design and fashion with my artistic vision. 2016 I began collaborating with DIS (Design Italian Shoes), an Italian artisanal footwear brand, specializing in 100% Made in Italy customizable shoes, which combines artisan tradition and digital innovation. For them, I create hand-painted limited-edition sneakers. TODAY I continue to cultivate my passion for painting by pursuing the MaPet Shoes project. Every creation stems from an idea, an emotion, a detail that inspires me. I believe every shoe tells a different story, and I like to think that each of my works contains a fragment of mine... made of color, curiosity, and the desire to give shape to uniqueness.
ARE YOU THE ONE WHO CUSTOMIZES SNEAKERS?
YES, IT'S ME!
Between Sneakers and Cameras
Chronically shy… but Rai was irrefutable!
In 2012, while I was quietly immersed in decorating my sneakers, my creative refuge, a phone call came that almost made me drop the paintbrush: Rai.
The production of "Soliti Ignoti" He wanted me, because the word "cameras" immediately makes me think of alternative escape routes. I, shy and fond of my comfort zone of paintbrushes and sneakers, confess: I wanted to run away!
So when I realized that they were inviting me on a national program, my first reaction was to run away.
Yet, within that avalanche of anxiety, there was also a little voice that told me:
“Hey… this is an opportunity you can’t miss.”
So, with a courage I didn't know I had, I said yes and crossed the threshold of the studio.
It was a mix of thrills and adrenaline: lights, cameras, audience... my nightmare and at the same time a magical moment. I smiled, I spoke, and above all, I brought my passion with me.
That day I understood that, even if shyness sometimes makes me live in “total camouflage” mode, I know how to find the courage to face important opportunities.
And yes, even today, every time I happen to tell it, I smile, thinking of that moment when, against all natural instinct, I chose not to run away.
That day I learned that sometimes courage is simply taking a step forward, even when you want to run in the opposite direction.
Stories that talk about me
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