What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
I never had formal art education in school, but I’ve always loved painting with watercolors and playing with clay since I was a child. Even in my twenties, I would buy a block of paper clay and make vases, plates, or an elephant sculpture just for the sheer joy of creating art. It wasn't until I turned 30 that my desire to create my own original works with oil paints grew really strong. So, I went to the local art supply store and got everything I needed to start creating art, and that's how it all began.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with so far?
I am a self-taught artist, so in the beginning, I had no knowledge of painting techniques. I was born in Yokohama, Japan, but since 1999, I have been living in Dalian, China. When I started painting, I was already living in Dalian, and it was here that I met artist friends who taught me techniques from time to time as we often painted together. At first, I mainly painted with oil paints, but later I also experimented with Chinese ink, and now, I mostly use acrylic paints for my works.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
I think each artist is one-of-a-kind, and their subjects and styles vary. For me, I don't specifically stick to a certain style, but instead draw freely what I feel like drawing at the time. If I keep working on the same series of artworks for an extended period, I tend to get bored, so I might experiment with a completely different color palette or style, which could be my distinguishing feature.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration can be found everywhere and at all times. It could be the interior decoration of a coffee shop seen in a mall, a painting of a famous artist that I love, a song that I heard for the first time and fell in love with, an unnamed flower blooming in the backyard, or the color of someone's clothes in front of me. I draw inspiration from various sources, and the images that leave a lasting impression and are etched into my memory are reflected in my works.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations, or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
My current passion in art is to create more of my modern abstract works that can stir positive emotions, bring viewers back to a specific sweet memory, or simply guide them into a joyful world of imagination.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)?
In the past, the figurative paintings I did took a very long time to finish, but the abstract paintings I’m currently doing are more spontaneous. Occasionally, it doesn’t turn out the way I envisioned at the beginning, and I spend a lot of time on it. Usually, in such situations, the painting ends up being completely different from what I initially began with, but in the end, I enjoy seeing the fruitful result of this process.
Do you use a particular work technique? If so, can you explain it?
I don’t have a specific work technique, but before I start working, I usually meditate to relax or take a short nap when I'm tired. When I'm in a relaxed mood, my creative urge starts to flow.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
I’m not sure if it’s innovative, but I often express my five senses and feelings through colors and shapes. In this regard, some people might find my works unique. For example, the wind gently blowing the autumn leaves, or the bright sunlight shining on young, energetic flowers. I wish viewers could feel themselves as the leaves and the flowers, and sense their joy of being alive.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? If yes, why?
I enjoy painting on any size of canvas, but I still find it most enjoyable to freely layer colors on a large canvas. As for paints, I really like acrylic paints the most. Because they dry quickly, I think they are very suitable for me, as I want to move on to the next process quickly before the transient idea or image slips away from my mind.
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 am currently living and creating in a place that I use as my studio. It’s a very small, old apartment where I paint in the room that functions as the living room and store my works here. In the morning, I take a stroll to do the grocery shopping, feed the familiar stray cats, and get a bit of fresh air outside. The afternoon is my work time, but I enjoy my work so much that there are many days when I still want to paint even when it's dinner time.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
I’ve observed that the majority of the collectors interested in my works are from the United States and Europe, but I haven’t had the chance to participate in fairs and exhibitions outside of China yet. I wish those countries were closer to where I live! Nevertheless, I was fortunate to meet some very nice collectors who have become close through communication. They shared pictures of my works framed and displayed in their lovely homes, and I was overjoyed to see the photos and grateful for their kindness. Recently, I’ve been honored to have the opportunity to display my works locally and enjoy the interaction with those who have a passion for art.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
Over the past few years, the number of people who purchase my works has been increasing, and I feel extremely grateful. At the same time, I also sense that I have gradually grown through experience. Currently, what I should focus on is to continue creating more and more works. Consequently, it would be my dream come true if there is a future where I can share my works with more art lovers.
What is the theme, style, or technique of your latest artistic production?
Just recently, I painted two works with the theme of 'Aqua Kaleidoscope.' Using brushes ranging from thick to extremely fine, I layered various combinations of blues, greens, and whites to create a feeling as if one is immersed in a kaleidoscope of water. I enjoyed painting them very much, so I think I will paint a similar series again, but I will just go with the flow at that time.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
I have many exhibitions filled with pleasant memories, but I was especially happy when my works were exhibited and selected in exhibitions in big cities in China such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen.
If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why?
I have a deep love for so many painters that it’s nearly impossible to choose just one or a specific piece from among them. However, I hold a great admiration for the art of Pierre Bonnard. His use of colors is simply magnificent, and I could gaze at his paintings endlessly. I think it’s because his love for Marthe is so evident in the colors he chooses.
If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
There are many painters I would like to invite, but if I could only choose one, it would be Picasso. The reason is that Picasso once appeared in my dream and treated me to a meal. In that dream, I was actually supposed to go out and play with my friends, but I was busy cleaning the dormitory we lived, so everyone else left without me. When I was angry about being left behind, Picasso, who was setting the table for his own lunch in the front yard, invited me to eat together. It was such an unlikely and awesome dream that I couldn’t help but laugh when I woke up. Since there was only white rice and potatoes on the table in the dream, this time, I want to prepare a lot of side dishes for Picasso.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
