What inspired you to create art and become an artist (events, feelings, experiences...)?
I have always loved to draw and paint. On my way to creating art, I think my biggest influence was Dalí. I thought he was wonderful. Through him my interest in painting grew. Also, I think that when you see the world through a certain prism you feel the need to explain it.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and themes you have experimented with so far?
I have studied Fine Arts and I have experimented with different techniques such as mural painting, engraving, lithography, etc.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
My interest is focused on the feelings and emotions of the human being. I want to go beyond the perception of an image and go beyond the skin of the character to capture their emotions.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I draw my inspiration from human beings; nothing more and nothing less. An inexhaustible source of inspiration. People are so complex that there is always a reason to try to capture emotions and feelings.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
When I paint, I try to surprise myself and when I think I have achieved what I intended, is when I involve the viewer. Sometimes I get the viewer to perceive more sensations than I do.
What is the process of creation of your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspiration from the classics of art or others)?
My process is spontaneous. I need that tingle that pushes me to get going. However, the basis of my work is based on a classical technique.
Do you use any particular working technique? If so, can you explain it?
My works start by reinforcing the surface. On top of a first primer, I superimpose an irregular layer of gesso to create the textures that identify my paintings. From there, I start with acrylic colors to finish my works with oil paint.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work, and can you tell us which ones?
I am always looking for new formulas in the process, tools such as sandpaper, scrapers etc.
Do you have any format or medium that you feel more comfortable with, if so why?
I generally use linen as a support because it is more resistant than cotton. I also use wood a lot because its rigidity gives me nuances that linen does not. It's a question of nuances. The viewer may not perceive these nuances, but the artist does. In terms of size, I manage better with medium sizes.
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 work in my own studio. I love working alone, I concentrate more and it gives me total freedom to create, schedules, absences, etc.
Does your work take you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
I'm usually in my studio working. Clients come to me.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
I am driven by my own emotions. I never make plans for my work. You never know what's going to happen. I just dedicate myself to creating, the rest comes as a consequence.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
I am now working with children in school represented on blackboards with subliminal messages.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
I do exhibitions in Japan, the United States, Europe, etc. For me, they are all interesting. I take care of them all to the maximum.
If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why?
Ugh, I have never thought about it. I wouldn't know what to tell you, but if I had to say one, it would be Jaume Plensa's sculptures.
If you could invite a famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest to spend the evening?
I think, it wouldn't be bad if it was with Dalí. Spending the evening talking would be nice.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
