What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...).
The first thing that comes to my mind is a movie about Caravaggio that I saw when I was about 13 years old. At that time I used to love old masters' works. I remember finding that movie very inspiring and I think I felt for the first time that art is a field of freedom.
What is your artistic background, techniques, and subjects you have experimented with so far?
I have studied arts since high school and my background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts- Painting and a Master’s Degree in ‘Strategies in Creation in Painting’ from the National University of Arts Bucharest. During my master’s degree, I was awarded a scholarship to study at Brera Fine Arts Academy in Milan. My first main subject was mental disorders and I did research on people from asylums and mental illness in general. Currently, my work concept shifted more towards myths with a focus on ancient Greek legends. The technique that I am using consists mainly of oil paints, sometimes combined with spray paints and neon paint, shimmer, gold, and glitter.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
The approach/subject, composition, and color palette.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I usually pick a subject that I obsessively resonate with and ideas for each piece just came to me spontaneously. I am also inspired by simple elements of day-to-day life. Sometimes I pay a lot of attention to how people are dressed on the streets or it might be a notion like reading a piece of literature.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
I always want and aim to challenge the viewer. With my current project, I want to offer the public a journey into fantasy and imagination. I use modern people dressed in clothing from our times because I want everyone that sees my work to have something to resonate with, something familiar to our times.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)?
I start by making a few compositional sketches of my idea. I do research on the topic, reading and taking photos on the subject I will be working on. I often use tools such as Photoshop to edit and refine the compositions before I start painting them.
Do you use a particular work technique? If so, can you explain it? Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
Over the years I have experimented with various techniques in search of variety in my work. I started with oil painting and I am still very attached to this medium. In time, I have introduced into my work collages, layering, spray paint, glitter, resin, oil pastels, and bars. The unicity of my paintings is given by the texture, overlaying the colors, and marks of brushstrokes. I am also very preoccupied with the structure and composition of my paintings, thinking very carefully about the color palette that I will use. In “The survivors” and “Recollecting Paradise ” I was focusing on unique color layering and impasto texture.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why?
My favorite medium is oil on linen canvas. This is because I started oil painting at a young age, growing and learning with this medium. Even though it is traditional, I feel that there is still a lot more to discover and offer.
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 create my paintings in a private studio in London. I love spending all my time there, thinking and working on new ideas. My workshop routine starts with a bit of sketching and/or reading in the morning and after I gather materials and start work. Besides paintings, my studio has a small collection of books, mostly literature, and art albums, plenty of art materials, and a small office.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
Sometimes. This year I will be going to Art Basel. London is also a great place to be an artist. I love going to shows and meeting artsy people at events, art talks, or fairs.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
My dream is to be displayed in big contemporary art museums and find a well-established gallery representation. Regarding painting, my goal is to go further with my research and stay focused, evolve, and experiment.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
My latest project is a contemporary approach to the idea of a ‘’goddess’’ as a celebration of beauty, innocence, and power. This series is a work in progress and it is executed in oil on canvas/ linen in a figurative style that combines gradients, mythical creatures, hyper-realistic details, and people.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
I really loved the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition event. I liked the selection of paintings, how my piece was displayed, the venue, and that during the private view, I had the opportunity to offer a televised interview for BBC2 among other participants.
If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why?
I am very attached to “The Birth of Venus” by Botticelli. I saw this piece at Uffizi Gallery and it moved me. It is really interesting how a piece of art made centuries ago can still have this mesmerizing effect.
If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
I could make a very long list here and it is hard to choose only one. I would be excited to chat about art with Cecily Brown, Jenny Saville, Jenna Gribbon, Van Gogh, Caravaggio, and many more.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
