What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
I have drawn frequently and extensively since childhood. I enjoyed doing it, and all my relatives, friends, and acquaintances predicted an artistic career for me. I read books about the lives and works of famous artists, looked through albums with reproductions of their paintings, and visited museums. I was attracted to such a life, filled with art, creativity, travel, and discovery. I find it fascinating to create my own worlds.
What is your artistic experience, and what techniques and themes have you experimented with?
After graduating from the art and graphics faculty of a pedagogical institute, I actively pursued painting. I created large-format oil paintings on canvas. Later, I became interested in unique graphics and the creation of art objects. I worked with watercolor, pastel, collage, and assemblage. I have participated in numerous exhibitions and artistic projects. Several of my works are part of state museum collections in Russia. About 15 years ago, I started exploring digital photography as a source of additional income. Over time, I realized that I could also express myself as an artist through photography. Today, photography is my main form of creative expression.
What 3 aspects set you apart from other artists, making your work unique?
In the modern art world, it is difficult to stand out with any particular uniqueness. It often feels like everything has already been done. I hope that my individual worldview, life experience, and attention to detail contribute a certain degree of uniqueness to my work.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I am inspired by the world around me—people, nature, movies, music, impressions from travels, the creativity of other artists, and the desire to convey through art what cannot be expressed in words.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, feelings, or emotions do you wish to evoke in the viewer?
I am an artist who reflects not the external world around us but my inner world and my reflections on the outside world. In visual art, I am interested in working with visual symbols, texture, and the physical properties of materials. I like to build harmonious compositions from this diversity. In photography, I often work with form (both living and non-living). I strive to convey the aesthetics of natural and artificial forms through photography. I pay great attention to compositional structure. The language of minimalism is close to me and is present in most of my works.
What is your process for creating your work? Is it spontaneous or involves a lengthy preparatory process (technical, inspiration from classical art, etc.)?
The process of creating my work varies. Sometimes an idea comes unexpectedly, and I see it very clearly. In such cases, the work is completed quickly and effortlessly. Other times, a finished piece is preceded by a long journey of searching and experimenting, which often leads nowhere or waits for the right moment to be realized. Creativity is a mystery that is difficult to explain and understand, and this is what makes it beautiful and alluring. I don’t trust artists who can clearly explain their creative process and break it down step by step.
Do you use a specific technique in your work? If so, can you explain it?
I use classic techniques in my work, but I also allow room for experimentation. These experiments often help me discover new horizons in my art, though they are not intended to spark a global revolution in the art world.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us what they are?
In part, I already touched on this in the previous answer. I don’t aim to be an innovator on a grand scale. My goal is not to be the first in art, but to be happy while creating art.
Do you have a preferred format or medium? If so, why?
At the moment, I find artistic photography to be the most convenient medium, as it offers personal growth and development. However, the thought of returning to painting and graphic art is always on my mind. I might come back to them if circumstances allow. Painting is a financially demanding form of creative activity. In my country, it is quite challenging for an artist to succeed in painting due to factors such as production costs, transportation, and corruption within the art market. Digital photography is a much more mobile and democratic form of art, allowing participation in dozens of exhibitions, competitions, and projects worldwide without leaving the studio.
Where do you create your works? At home, in a shared studio, or in your own studio? And how do you organize your creative process in this space?
I usually work in my studio. Sometimes I photograph at home if the idea doesn’t require technical or time-consuming preparations. Additionally, my camera always accompanies me on my trips and travels. The works that define me as an artist are created in my photo studio, occasionally at other locations. Generally, the process begins with an idea, followed by preparation, and ends with the actual shoot.
Does your work require you to travel to meet new collectors, attend fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does this bring you?
Of course, I try to attend all events where my works are exhibited. It’s an opportunity to see myself from a different perspective, meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and visit new cities and countries. All of this, in one way or another, becomes material for future works and a way to promote my art.
How do you envision the evolution of your work and career as an artist in the future?
I would like to continue doing my work honestly, without adapting to trends or the demands of the moment. It would be great if my creative pursuits and experiments resonated with viewers willing to add my works to their collections. The attention of the audience is crucial for an artist. It provides the strength, resources, and inspiration needed for further work. Currently, I teach fine art and photography at the art faculty of a pedagogical university, which is my main source of income. However, ideally, I would like to make a living solely from my creative work.
What is the theme, style, or technique of your latest artwork?
Lately, I have been interested in experimenting with long exposures and multiple exposure photography. These experiments have brought metaphysical meanings into my work, turning them into complete stories.
Tell us about your most significant exhibition experience.
I regularly participate in major international photography competitions. Sometimes I manage to win prizes or receive special recognition from the jury. This motivates me, boosts my confidence, and allows me to continue growing professionally. I like to believe that the most important achievements are still ahead of me.
If you could create a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why?
I believe that creating art is one of the ways for a person to understand the world. Ideally, I dream of creating works that are new discoveries for me. I think that if I can experience such emotions from my own work, the audience will surely be moved as well.
If you could invite one famous artist (living or deceased) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest spending the evening?
Over 38 years of my creative journey, I have had many idols. Each of them has left their mark on my soul. It is very difficult for me to choose just one. If possible, I would gather them all around one table and suggest that they talk to each other. I would quietly listen to their conversations and debates about art. I think that would be more than enough to get to know these great individuals better and to understand my own path in art.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
