What inspired you to create works of art and to become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
I don't know if I'm really an artist, but what pushes me to make somewhat original images is to provoke an emotion in the eyes of others.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with so far?
I've been taking photos since I was a teenager, but I really got into photography when digital came along in 2004. At first, it was always vacation photos, but it quickly evolved into landscapes. I live on the Ile de Ré and the subjects are not lacking with our beautiful light and I have therefore progressed.
I made my first exhibition in a restaurant in 2007 and I realized the importance of contact with visitors. It made me want to go further.
In 2013, I started a series called "Some Flowers", so that they are not only flowers but, thanks to a monochrome treatment, visuals that titillate the imagination of the viewer.
After producing a series of landscapes of the American West in black and white, in 2018 I developed my series "San Francisco: Elevation Dark Sky" which I exhibited for the first time in 2019.
At the same time, I started my series "Les Flombres" inspired by Rodin's "Shadows".
I am currently completing my Dark Sky Colors series, always with my dark skies
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
Hard to say, there are so many talented photographers! I realize that all of my series are presented on a black background ... is it a coincidence?
Where does your inspiration come from?
From the observation of what surrounds me
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
I do not seek to arouse emotions when I work on my images and I am always surprised by the reactions of visitors during my exhibitions. There is no speech in my proposals. Everyone tells their stories by looking at my images.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)?
It all depends on the subjects. For architectural images, it is during my walks that I take my photos with the idea of what I will do with them afterwards. "A few flowers" is made in my garden and during walks. "Les Flombres" is on the other hand produced indoors, inspired by Rodin's Shadows, the difficulty being to find flowers that lend themselves to the exercise.
Do you use a particular working technique? if so, can you explain it?
No, nothing in particular, just taking raw photos and processing them with the appropriate computer tools.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
I don't see many images on a black background so maybe it's something original.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
Not applicable
Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared workshop or in your own workshop? And in this space, how do you organize your creative work?
I print and laminate on composite panel at home up to 40x80 cm format. Beyond that, I entrust the work to a lab on the web.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
The most important fairs such as the National Fine Arts Fair where Art Capital allow me to rub shoulders with other photographers and visual artists who enrich my artistic culture.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
In absolute terms, I'm not looking for glory. If it hadn't been so random, I would have liked to open a gallery to promote photographers unknown to the general public.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
The last series is "Dark Sky Colors", printed on baryta paper.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
The last, last February at the Grand Palais Ephémère with the Society of French Artists as part of Art Capital.
Exhibiting in this setting, as at the Grand Palais, is an enriching experience. There are so many artists from different backgrounds that you can be amazed. And the exchanges with the public and my fellow photographers are always enriching.
If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
The photos of Yosemite Valley by Ansel Adams because I took some in the same place before knowing this illustrious photographer who did so much for the creation of the great parks of the American West.
If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
Ansel Adams to talk photography? ;-)
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
