What is your artistic experience, techniques, and themes that you have already experimented with?What inspired you to create art and to become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
As a child, I read many books, and I especially loved looking at the illustrations.
The first profession I wanted to master was that of an illustrator. In 1980, I entered art college, where, in addition to drawing and painting classes, I got acquainted with the history of world art, and my desires gained new horizons—I wanted to become an artist!
It was a very interesting and useful experience, as I studied techniques such as fresco, mosaic, and stained glass in addition to classical oil painting. This inevitably influenced the development of my creativity, significantly broadening my palette of possibilities. From then on, I also began participating in exhibitions and also empathizing with the heroes of my paintings. (Not very original, but that's how it is).
However, in the process of work, plans often change, a dark background turns into a clear sky, loose hair is gathered into a colorful turban, a seashell lying on the table hangs in the air—the work finds its own way to the finale.
In the centuries when most artists used similar technology, we now have a rich heritage of various epochs and if it's possible to bring something of my own, that's just wonderful, I hope I manage it. I mainly work with oil on canvas, using various textures and glazes, and the method of applying paint varies, but that is already secret information...
It was very important—to expand the boundaries of the inhabited world, to ensure that it is multifaceted and diverse and that the Eiffel Tower really exists, and in the Louvre, one can admire "The Battle of San Romano" and "The Pastoral Concert", and of course, to see my own creations against the backdrop of other artists' work.
For the future, the bright colors are fewer, and the headwind is getting stronger and stronger.
Conclusion - all is well, I am moving forward.
Bruegel's "Hunters in the Snow" - it's a universe.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a lengthy preparatory process (technical, inspired by classical art, etc.)?Introducing something radically new into the creation of a grand style or technology is quite difficult. More often, it involves an individual view of the surrounding world and the embodiment of what is seen in one’s own manner, considering contemporary trends that are suitable for accomplishing this task.
Do you have a preferred format or medium? If yes, why?
This is a classic combination—canvas, oil + the heart of the artist.
Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared studio, or in your own studio? And how do you organize your creative work in this space?
It's my studio; there are many books, music, trees, and the sky outside the window.
Does your work require you to travel to meet new collectors, to fairs, or exhibitions? If yes, what does this bring to you?
For a long time, I really traveled a lot—Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France, Spain. These were ordinary travels, as well as trips to participate in international exhibitions.
How do you envision the evolution of your work and career as an artist in the future?
Of course, I expect success, fame, and honor! But seriously, it's quite difficult to predict.
What is the theme, style, or technique of your latest artistic work?
The style and technique are the same, although they are also gradually changing. The theme is related to finding a balance between the new and the old, light and darkness, freedom and the fear of losing what you have, to what you are accustomed to.
Tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
It was the year 2003, Paris, the "Autumn Salon," celebrating its 100th anniversary! I made it through the selection!
It was my first participation in a major international exhibition.
If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest spending the evening?
Paul Gauguin, we share the same birthday—June 7th, it would be a splendid party!
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
