What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with so far?
My artistic career began with training as a Designer at the School of Fine Arts in Saint-Etienne (42) and with a specialization in the creation of contemporary jewelry at the Ateliers de Fontblanche in Nîmes (30).
At the end of this course, I opened in Montpellier (34), an art gallery specializing in contemporary jewelry. A place dedicated to the manufacture and exhibition of the work of international designers.
For a few years, I have been exploring photography and especially the theme of Still-Life. I approach this classic subject of art history with a contemporary vision, in particular by purifying the compositions as much as possible, and by using a limited color range which tends towards monochrome. In my photographs, natural elements, flowers or fruits, rub shoulders with everyday objects but also geometric shapes.
What are the aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
My work finds resonance in Asian arts and in particular in Japanese culture and art of living. I am particularly interested in asymmetry, the ephemeral aspect of things, the taste for detail and the captivating beauty that emerges from scenes plunged into shadow. A chiaroscuro in which imagination and dreams can flourish.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
I try to bring the viewer a feeling of calm, serenity, a form of meditation.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)?
My creative process begins with the collection and transformation of existing objects and the manufacture of geometric elements. I have at my disposal a number of objects from which I will draw to create my scenarios, find lighting that will highlight them and then photograph them.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
I participate in exhibitions in different cultural places, galleries or specialized fairs which allow me an exciting contact and exchanges with the public.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
The exhibition that remains important to me and which led to proposals for hanging later is the Printemps de la Photographie in Romorantin (41).
Which artist inspired you the most?
If I had to mention an artist who fueled my reflection, it would be the sculptor Toni Cragg and more particularly the use and diversion he made of everyday objects to raise them to the rank of sculptures.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
