What inspired you to create art and to become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
Drawing is a part of my soul. Without painting, I cannot see either my past or my future. When I was a child, drawings were literally everywhere—in the wallpaper of my room, in school notebooks. My parents immediately realized that they were raising an artist and supported me when I entered the Art University.
What has been your artistic experience, techniques, and themes you've experimented with?
We all understand that talent is a constant in creativity, but there is always room to grow, improve, and refine skills. I believe that everyone is talented, you just need to find yourself. I have tried myself in various techniques and genres, and each process brought me incomparable pleasure and experience. The understanding that I love the freedom of expression in art did not come immediately. I have painted portraits, tried my hand at abstractionism, still life, sculpture, which brought me my first recognition. At this stage of my life, I am inspired by expressing emotions through painting the sea, because in the play of light, in the raging forces of the water, or in the calm stillness, in each wave, you can tell the viewer about everything, not just for them to see, but to feel.
What are three aspects that distinguish you from other artists, making your work unique?
I believe that each artist works in their own way, but I will try to highlight three aspects. Perhaps the first thing I want to point out is a distinctive, easily recognizable authorial style, which was formed through numerous searches and stylizations. Second, I want to draw your attention to the innovative synthesis of impressionism, expressionism with the use of the impasto technique. Finally, the third point, I will say it's about the feelings that every creator puts into their work, a piece of the soul, resulting in something unique.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration, there's so much in it and yet so little that can be conveyed in words. I never know what will impress my imagination, fill my chest with warmth, or give wings to my dreams. For me, inspiration is a feeling that can give wings, from a person's smile, a sunrise, or even an image that comes in a dream... it's unpredictable. Currently, the sea sings its song to me. The interaction of nature, its subtle facets, everything is so interconnected and works as one organism, such is not within human control. I am amazed by this and I try to convey my emotions on canvas.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations, or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
There's a saying in my homeland, "a stranger's soul is darkness." Many times, walking around the city, I have thought that each passerby, the windows of high-rises, the cars passing by—they each have their own fate and story. Every person has their dreams, their hidden pain, moments of happiness, thoughts, and perceptions of the world around them. Some see only slush in the rain and the need to take an umbrella, while others understand that this phenomenon revives nature, nourishes it with strength, and greets it with joy. I put my emotions into the painting, but I don't impose them on anyone; I'm interested in what feelings people experience when they look at it, based on their own inner world.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a lengthy preparatory process (technical, inspired by classic art, etc.)?
Pure improvisation, from mixing paints to detailing. Working on inspiration and intuition, even I do not know the final result; my hands create on their own, obeying my feelings.
Do you use a specific technique in your work? If so, can you explain?
I can confidently say that I use a technique tailored for myself. I work with a palette knife and paints, like many, but the secret lies in a specific tilt of the canvas and lighting, as well as special tools that allow me to convey the relief of voluminous paint strokes.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us what they are?
By looking at my works, even touching them, you will understand that there is an effect of sculptural strokes. I mentioned earlier that for this I use a unique tool for processing paint, which I made myself.
Do you have a preferred format or medium? If so, why?
Convention is definitely not for me. By nature, I am a person without internal limits. I can create a sketch on a notepad, or paint on a linen canvas with oil, but all this is an expression of myself. Currently, however, for the painting method I am engrossed in, I have chosen an optimal size of 40-50 cm to achieve the angle of tilt I need.
Where do you create your works? At home, in a communal studio, or in your own studio? And in this space, how do you organize your creative work?
Of course, I most enjoy working in the quiet of my own studio. However, I can't call myself a recluse; I travel a lot, discovering amazing corners of our world, marveling at its beauty, and charging with emotions so intense that my hand naturally reaches out to capture it on canvas, thus many of my works are painted from nature.
Does your work require you to travel to meet new collectors, attend fairs, or exhibitions? If so, what does this bring you?
Yes, I participate in events, visit fairs, and exhibitions. For me, it's an invaluable experience to interact with people who are as passionate about art as I am. It also allows me to see reactions to the work of my life, to capture emotions and listen. Criticism has always been a driving force for improvement.
How do you envision the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
Drawing has long ceased to be just a hobby or a job for me; it is a part of me. I can't say what new techniques or materials I will use, as the world is developing rapidly. I am primarily for the classical way of painting, but technology offers new possibilities and discoveries. Talking about an artist's career... one could talk at length about elevations, exhibition places, and the like, but all this does not express my true aspirations. I paint for people, opening myself up to this world. Touching the hearts of the viewers is the highest reward.
What is the theme, style, or technique of your latest artwork?
The sea. A mix of Impressionism and Expressionism. Oil and palette knife.
Tell us about your most significant exhibition experience?
Winning the competition at the Academy of Arts in Kyiv in 2000. At that time, I was a freshman mastering this direction and did not expect such high praise. This event was one of those that made me believe in myself.
If you could create a famous artwork in the history of art, which would you choose? And why?
Sunrise. Impression. 1872, Claude Monet.
This piece of art created a new style in painting, which is the dream of any artist.
If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest spending the evening?
Definitely, it would be William Turner. Why? I believe he was, like me, captivated by the sea. A marine artist who conveyed the strength and will of the water element, never saw it from the inside, and modernity has the opportunity to show him so much new and unexplored.
And, of course, to show him my work, hoping to get his opinion and critique.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
