Obra Maestra - Today's Brilliant Contemporary and Modern Artist for Literature: Madame Maria Tosti

In the heart of Italy, where the river Tiber weaves its timeless journey through a serene Umbrian town, resides a woman whose life has been an ode to creativity and reflection. Maria Tosti, born in 1965 in the picturesque city of Perugia, has spent decades crafting a legacy that transcends borders, languages, and artistic mediums. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the universality of poetry.

From a young age, Maria discovered solace and strength in the rhythm of words. As a teenager, she began to write poems, pouring her reflections on human existence and life's profound experiences onto the page. For her, poetry was more than a craft—it was a lifeline, a way to articulate the ineffable and connect with the world on a deeply emotional level. Creating became a breath of art, an intrinsic part of her being, where each emotion she set to paper felt like a whisper from her soul to the universe.

Maria's belief that poetry belongs to everyone has been the cornerstone of her artistic philosophy. To her, poetry is a universal message, one that resonates with the sensitivities of each individual, permeating the nuances of their emotions. This conviction has guided her to create works that are as accessible as they are profound, touching the hearts of readers from all walks of life.

Her multilingual prowess is a testament to her desire to connect across cultures and boundaries. Fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, and French, Maria writes poetry in these languages, allowing her voice to be heard by a diverse global audience. She also harbors a deep passion for Japanese poetic forms such as haiku, senryu, and tanka, finding beauty in their brevity and depth. One of her haikus was set to music by the esteemed master Paolo Scatena, a collaboration that stands as a poignant example of the harmony between words and melody.

Maria's literary debut came in 2014 with the publication of her multilingual poetry book, *"Voci ai confini dell’anima" – "Voices to the Boundaries of the Soul,"* by Thoth Editions/Mario Vallone. This collection, available in both print and eBook formats, features poems in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, reflecting her commitment to bridging linguistic divides through the power of art.

Beyond poetry, Maria's creative pursuits extend to visual art, where her passion for photography and drawing merges seamlessly with her love for words. She has explored the realm of visual poetry through haiga and shahai, creating pieces that blend imagery and text to evoke profound emotional responses. Her artistic and literary works have found homes in prestigious journals, magazines, blogs, websites, and anthologies across the globe—from China to Canada, from Brazil to Turkey—underscoring her international acclaim.

Maria’s talent is not confined to the written word. She has ventured into the world of music, writing lyrics that have been set to song by renowned composers. Two of her lyrical texts were brought to life by the Italian composer Pasqualino Moscatelli and the master Daniel Cianelli, showcasing her versatility and her quest for new avenues of artistic expression.

Her journey through the arts is marked by accolades and appreciation. Over the years, she has participated in numerous national and international poetry awards, earning accolades that affirm her talent and dedication. Yet, for Maria, the true reward lies in the act of creation itself and the connections it fosters.

Maria Tosti's life is a celebration of the human spirit’s boundless capacity for expression. Her work serves as a reminder that art, in all its forms, is a bridge that unites us, a mirror that reflects our shared humanity, and a beacon that lights the way through the complexities of existence. As she continues to create, Maria remains steadfast in her mission to inspire, to connect, and to give voice to the emotions that reside within us all.

In her small Umbrian town, crossed by the gentle flow of the Tiber, Maria Tosti’s legacy grows with every word she pens and every heart she touches. Her journey is far from over, and the world awaits the next chapter of her extraordinary story.

"The Actor"

(poem dedicated to the Italian actor and friend Filippo Timi set to music by the Italian master Daniel Cianelli)

By: Maria Tosti

A hundred lives, a thousand stories,

many faces and expressions,

feelings, shields

for your inner most being.

Your identity is already hidden,

another place and another story

will begin again.

Applause, smiles,

fragments already lived,

and roses, cheers,

the emotions are never the same.

The soul dances in this reality,

another train and another place

are already waiting for you.

Under the makeup seasons grow old,

sheltered emotions struggle,

real characters follow each other,

stages invent you.

At the end of your days

you can say that you have lived

so many lives, so many stories,

as many as possible.

Your identity is going to wake up

but imagination mingles

with reality.

Under the makeup seasons grow old,

sheltered emotions struggle,

real characters follow each other,

stages invent you.

The curtains of life then close,

but memories and emotions remain,

some tears hide your eyes

from the eyes that follow you.

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