What inspired you to create works of art and to become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
From an early age, I watched my father draw and paint. He particularly liked to paint landscapes, figurative. I found it fascinating and I think he passed on his passion for painting and drawing to me.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with so far?
My artistic journey is that of an autodidact. I started with watercolors, then I did a few oil paintings to finally find my happiness with acrylic. The latter suits me because it allows a mixed work which widens the field of possibilities.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
I absolutely do not claim to define myself as unique. I just think that each artist, through his technique, his choice of colors, materials and tools, transmits an essence that is specific to him in each painting he composes.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Mainly by the color that I want to work with. Then, I let myself be guided by the gestures and what gradually appears on my canvas.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
I want to bring poetry, arouse everyone's imagination, serenity. Just a well deserved break in this chaotic world.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)?
My creations are spontaneous, from the moment I find the color I want to work with. However, sometimes it happens that during the creation, I completely change my mind. It really is an intuitive painting.
Do you use a particular working technique? if so, can you explain it?
I really like blending in my colors, which means that I have to work on my background fairly quickly so that the acrylic doesn't dry too quickly.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
I like to test new ways of working (new tool, new material).
But at the innovative level, I think painting is like music, everything was done long before us.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
I mainly work on canvas and the square and landscape formats are my favourites.
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?
Unfortunately, I am not lucky enough to have a workshop or a room dedicated to my painting. So I work in my living room.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
No, my job does not require me to travel.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
I can't imagine it, I prefer to simply live it.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
My last themes are always abstraction but I made a series in ocher and natural tones inspired by landscapes of forests, woods, mountains.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
The very first which, in fact, is the most striking. It was particularly difficult for me to exhibit my paintings to the public the first time. It was scary, I was afraid of people's reaction, I didn't feel confident. Fortunately, after several exposures, these feelings disappeared over time.
If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
An untitled 1972 Indian ink by Zao Wou-Ki, which I find very inspiring.
If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
I would invite Zao Wou-ki, comfortably installed around a cup of tea, hoping to be able to discuss paintings and techniques for hours.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
