What inspired you to create artwork and become an artist? (Events, feelings, experiences…)
I started professional photography in the early 1980s. At the time I had a dual role: both a judicial investigator and a photographer within the same institution: the Gendarmerie. In this context, these were very technical, codified, documentary shots and very rarely in a pleasant context. It was often following dramatic events.
I think I became an artist through my personal search for “beautiful”, “pleasant”, “pleasure”… unlike photos of crimes and offences.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with to date?
I come from film photography, whether shooting and/or BW and color prints. The advent of digital photography saved me time for development and saved space (no more lab, no more chemistry, etc.).
But I remain attached to film photography, to the emotion it arouses, to field or studio shooting techniques (independent cell that I still use for example, etc.), to the visual analysis of light, colorimetry…
I am not a fan of photomontage for example, I believe that it is not part of my job, but that of a talented graphic designer who will be able to master the subject much better than me. Otherwise, when shooting, I think I can handle any subject with more or less prior preparation…
What are the three aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
My positioning and my shooting angle, the focal length used and the choice of light, my eye.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Hell, everywhere! I feel like my brain is constantly racing! Is it serious doctor ? I view a lot of old and contemporary photographs on all subjects and analyze how it was constructed.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
It is a curious mixture of emotion and questioning of the viewer who stops in front of one of my photographs. Then comes the exchange and sharing, that’s happiness! The pinnacle is when he wants to acquire it.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technique, inspiration from art classics or other)?
Both: spontaneous or with a certain preparatory time, sometimes scouting and work on cartography for exteriors.
Do you use a particular working technique? If so, can you explain it?
Not really. From time to time a filtration during the shooting depending on the expected result.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
Difficult question… for me each visual or art object whatever the discipline is an innovation.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? If yes, why ?
In film I used all formats, from 24x36 to the Sinar camera. Today in digital, I use Fujifilm medium format. My prints are made on 100% Canson cotton matte paper. The result is very interesting and arouses a certain questioning in the viewer which itself often provokes an exchange… art brings people together.
Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared workshop or in your own workshop? And in this workspace how do you organize your creative work?
I have a small studio at home, three electronic flashes, reflectors, shapers, boxes, and the usual stuff.
For my prints, I enlist the services of a competent and serious professional physics lab, no prints via the web. And soon in December perhaps, a permanent gallery in Saint-Malo.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it mean to you?
Yes. We show our images elsewhere than on social networks (which don't actually contribute anything). The meetings and discussions during these events are enriching and frankly it's beautiful!
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
First of all, continue to enjoy photographing. As for my career as an artist, the “little mother” is already well underway, but who is she? Maybe I'll release a $20,000,000 picture with a little luck.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
“Passing time” Time that passes. Series of long exposure photographs.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
I believe this is the first collective exhibition held within the association of Saint-Malo painters and which I had just joined. A fantastic multidisciplinary exchange.
If you could create a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
Therianthropic figures. 44,000 years: what longevity!
If you could invite any famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
Maybe Claude Monet, I love his painting and I ventured back photographically to Dolceacqua and Bordighera in Italy. For the evening, I think he would have liked us to go to a good restaurant.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
