What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (Events, feelings, experiences...)
Even as a child, I loved crafting and painting. It was clear very early on that I would do "something artistic" as a career.
After my studies, which focused on sculpture and free painting, I first worked as a graphic designer for a few years. During this time, I began to develop the unique style of my sculptures and to deepen my graphic work.
A few coincidences and twists and turns in my life then set me on the path to working full-time as an artist. I can't imagine anything better.
What is your artistic background, what techniques and themes have you experimented with so far?
My first works were pictures, abstract paintings, preferably on canvas or wood.
More by chance, I started making papier-mâché sculptures for an exhibition.
I was gripped by passion from the very first moment. This was MY material. It has become my absolute favorite because it offers endless design possibilities.
Over the years, graphics and painting have been added.
What 3 aspects distinguish you from other artists and make your work unique?
In my sculptures, it is certainly the almost sparse design of the figures, which are very clear in their statement through posture, facial expressions and gestures.
I also use a special combination of different materials in my sculptures that I have never seen before.
My drawings are characterized by a minimalist mix of drawing and collage.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I get my inspiration from life, from what I experience.
With my sculptures, I create "character traits" that each of us, depending on the situation, brings to the outside and shows of ourselves; the wishes and desires that remain hidden and that we ourselves are largely unaware of
Dream and reality intermingle in my pictures of people's inner and outer spaces.
Remembered landscapes, dreamscapes and fantasy worlds. Wishes, dreams and places of longing. Whimsical, symbolic and touching.
Man in the world, strong and fragile.
Waiting, walking, being on the road, setting off, arriving, alone and together.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings would you like to evoke in the viewer?
I want to give the viewer the opportunity to discover their own ideas, shapes and forms in the paintings and sculptures, in addition to what is visible.
The viewer is left room for their own interpretations. The imagination is allowed to go for a walk.
What is the process of creating your works like? Spontaneous or with a long preparation process (technical, inspired by art classics or something else)?
While I plan my sculptures, I let myself
(as a counterbalance) when drawing and painting, I like to drift and see what happens.
I try to capture the moment with my works.
But I am also interested in what is happening in the moment when I am working.
Do you use a particular working technique? If so, can you explain it?
I use a particular mix of materials in my sculptures.
I like to mix drawings with collage techniques.
Are there any innovative aspects to your work? Can you tell us which ones?
When I have exhausted a certain way of working, I like to experiment and see where this process takes me. This can take time or even be fruitless at first.
Do you have a format or medium that you feel most comfortable with? if so, why?
It is definitely working on my sculptures for me. This is where I can best express my thoughts.
Man in his contradictions, transience and vulnerability.
Although this theme is also taking up more and more space in my drawings.
Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared workshop or in your own workshop? And how do you organize your creative work in this space?
I've been sharing a studio with a painter friend for a few years now.
As an artist, you work alone a lot, so I enjoy the chance meetings with my colleague.
I also find the shared exchange about the works very inspiring.
Does your work take you on trips to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what do you get out of it?
No, I don't travel much for my art. Sure, I sometimes visit my gallery in another state or go to an exhibition in another city, but mainly I sell my art via online stores.
How do you see your work and your career as an artist developing in the future?
I'm on the right track and am receiving more and more recognition, especially for my sculptures. I am being asked for projects and am now easily found on the Internet.
In this way, it can continue to develop.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
There are new works on the theme of "Wind and Storm"
In addition, after a three-year break, I have resumed my work on the series "Sommerfrische und Badegäste". Dynamic, monochrome figures have been created here.
Can you tell us about your most important trade fair experience?
No, so far I have avoided trade fairs. Maybe that will change in the future.
If you could create a famous work of art history, which one would you choose? And why?
A difficult question, there are many works of art that I admire.
I would probably like to have created the "Burghers of Calais" or Turner's "Sunset over a Lake".
I admire Turner's revolutionary, outmoded style of painting. The dissolution of the representational in favor of sensual experience.
Rodin de-heroizes the heroes of Calais in his work. He creates a work far removed from national pride. The citizens meet the viewer at eye level, they are human, vulnerable.
If you could invite a famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
Do I have to choose?
I would like to throw a big party with artists from all eras. That would certainly be an interesting conversation.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
