What made you decide to become an artist? What is your background?
I felt it from a very early age. I am a Drawing and Painting teacher. I took courses in Graphic Design and Advertising. I was the official draftsman of the Heraldic College of Argentina for 9 years, being in charge of the design of a large number of coats of arms and emblems, and in 1995, the automobile emerged as the main motif of my works.
What are the three things that make you different from other artists?
Dedicating myself to motoring art, being a woman in the world of automobiles and my photorealistic techniques working with colored pencils.
Where does your inspiration come from?
From cars, especially classic and collector cars.
Tell us about the conception of your works, do you have a long preparation work or is it quite spontaneous?
In general it is quite spontaneous, I start by drawing in scale and then print the color.
What do you want to show through your work?
The possibility of transforming a machine into an art object through the intense colors, the brightness of the crystals and chrome, as well as the reflection on the bodywork that transforms them into mute witnesses of the scenery that surrounds them.
Do you use unusual techniques or materials in your work?
I work with high density and high quality polychrome pencils on paper.
Do you have a favorite format? Why?
The formats are adapted to the size of the paper that I normally use at its maximum size of 100x70cm I get a lot of pleasure from it.
What difficulties do you encounter in your work?
It gives me a lot of pleasure what I do, although as it is a drawing and protected with glass, it is difficult to transport.
How do you work? At home, in a shared workshop, in your own workshop?
I work in my own workshop.
Does the work of an artist lead you to travel a lot?
Not as much as I would like, especially in this global pandemic situation.
What was the best moment of your career?
When I was able to transcend internationally!
How do you see your work in ten years?
I am always improving, so I hope to get better!
What are you currently working on? Are you planning an exhibition soon?
At the moment on an Alfa Romeo Giulia. I have two exhibitions for the beginning of next year, within my country.
If you could create a masterpiece in the history of art, which one would you choose?
Possibly it would be about the evolution of vehicles.
If you could invite a famous artist to dinner (dead or alive), which one would you choose?
Antonio Berni.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
