De Cotiis finds inspiration in classical art movements, from the Italian Baroque to the French Impressionists and their transition en plein air. Interpreting these movements using a contemporary lens, De Cotiis approaches his work as a painter would, considering the light, colour and materials. He masterfully weaves together salvaged and reclaimed materials – the signs of their age left intact – with precious materials such as Indian jasper. The original form of the materials is often difficult to identify, but their histories are always visible.

He aims for perfect imperfection, achieved through the deconstruction, re-construction, and re-appropriation of salvaged materials such as fiberglass, stone and wood. De Cotiis believes that art and functionality are fundamentally linked, and as such his pieces transcend the boundary that divides the two disciples.