What inspired you to create works of art and to become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
As a child I drew a lot and as a teenager I started painting (I mean with a real creative process). I made portraits in charcoal or red chalk and I created compositions in oil paint, already inspired by the great masters of painting. Later, during my studies in art history, my desire to become an artist really developed. So I was unofficially an “artist” from the age of 16. But it was at the age of 32 that I started photography, at first to complete my activity as a graphic designer and to take commercial photos… but in the end something completely different came out of it…
However, I cannot say what prompted me to all this, it came naturally. My parents were both artists at heart, but they couldn't realize their dreams. So I made it myself...
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with so far?
As said above, painting and drawing led me to photography, but I was always self-taught and not particularly interested in “technique”. I confess that I do not adhere to the school or academic system. Above all, I need to feel and follow my instincts and my inspirations. My “technique” therefore remains fairly basic, but it's in the studio that I feel the most comfortable. For me, it's the subject that matters. As for the subjects, I am always inspired by classical painting and I embellish it with current elements. I work in periods, which can sometimes be dark and morbid or bright and idyllic. So I approached all types of themes: the Renaissance, fairy tales, pop-surrealist styles, mythological inspirations, the Rococo style, the nude, exoticism, revisits of classical or neo-classicism paintings, “Frida” all the way…
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
I really hope to differentiate myself but I'm afraid I'm not the only one in this field. In any case, the 3 aspects that can make the difference are surely: the references that I use, the homemade (costumes, sets, accessories, etc.) as well as my editing style, which give my touch (which I think is recognizable easily).
Where does your inspiration come from?
Consciously: of the great masters of painting, of mythology, of society, of what surrounds me, of the history of art in general...
Unconsciously: From what suddenly comes to me without my knowing where it comes from… Or from past lives perhaps??
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
My goal is to take the viewer into another world, either far from the harshness of the one we live in, or I also sometimes create a world even tougher than the existing one, like a caricature, in order to focus on what needs to be changed. The main thing is to simply provoke an emotion, whatever it may be.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long
preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)? I have always produced my stagings with a very strict (and long) creative process: search for a series title - writing - moodboards - sketches - creation of costumes and/or sets - shooting realization - retouching. But at the moment I'm experimenting a bit with improvisation according to the ideas that come to me. Totally new thing for me who usually prepare everything in advance.
Do you use a particular working technique? if so, can you explain it?
Not being focused on "technique", apart from my meticulous creative process and the use of my knowledge of Art History, I have no particular technique except that of letting myself be carried away by what I feel.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
My work is based on the nostalgia of a bygone era, my credo is rather: it is in the old pots that we make the best jams! (Laughs) I'm a fan of recycling and diversion and I'm moved by the past, so that's what characterized my style. So, innovative in the new sense, not really, but I still think I'll bring a breath of fresh air to it by putting a bit of my personality and my personal feelings into it.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
I like large formats, I find that my work is more valuable this way, because I put a lot of details in my works and it is easier to appreciate it in a big way in order to analyze everything. I think 80x120cm is ideal and a good compromise (not too big to hang in a small room, not too small to appreciate the details).
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?
To tell the truth, it depends on the periods, because I had several studios dedicated to photography. It allowed me to have my equipment ready to use and to separate my private life from my work. But for a year I have changed my way of doing things somewhat and I take my photos at home directly, but also in places that I rent, or outdoors.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
For the moment, I have mainly exhibited in my region, the fact of being a mother has meant that I have favored places close to my home. Now I would like to be able to travel to meet new people, even if the internet allows me to travel in some ways since I already benefit from many collectors around the world.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
For two years it has been very complicated to project oneself, at least for me. I don't expect anything except to continue experimenting, to make beautiful artistic encounters and to take pleasure in what I do. The most important thing is to live in the present moment and to move forward according to what the wind takes us!
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
For a year, I let myself be carried away by the inspiration of the moment, I'm more in a "free style" vibration, moving from one theme to another. My latest production is therefore a bit heterogeneous, unlike anything I've produced in the past, although my style is still recognizable.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
I think this is my last exhibition, held in a castle in Grasse (Château Saint Georges), a magnificent residence of a 19th century perfumer, where I had the chance to exhibit my work which was in perfect harmony with the place and the atmosphere of my works, around the indoor swimming pool. It was just magical.
If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
Relevant question because taking up known works to revisit them is a bit my specialty ;) The answer is surely found directly in my work and I would answer "the great Odalisque" by Ingres (which I have declined in several forms). I've always been drawn to this painting, this gaze, this lascivious pose, these excess vertebrae… It's a work that's both classic and innovative for its time and it's this paradox that I love so much in it.
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 may not be very original but I will say Leonardo da Vinci. It must have been exciting and full of wisdom! I would have so many things to learn from him! Around a good bottle with him that would be enough for me to travel in time, I would only have to drink his words! But I admit that inviting a (living) artist such as Annie Leibovitz would also be a dream! However, I need to work on my English! (Laughs)
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
