What inspired you to create artwork and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
I have been drawing since I was little. I have always been a loner who expresses myself a little through painting or drawing. I was in the military for over 10 years. This job has sometimes led me into delicate situations and painting has always been the best escape. It was therefore quite natural that I turned to the artistic world.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with to date?
I got into graffiti very early on. Illegal or legal I have always been particularly fond of wastelands, I loved exploring them and bringing them back to life with the color of aerosols. Very often collective frescoes enhanced collaborations between artists. However, for a very long time I focused my work on lettering and their calligraphic research around my artist name.
Can you explain the steps involved in creating one of your works?
Very often wall creations are made of materials necessary for the design of a wall. (Cement, porous concrete block), the canvases brought me back to a clean prepared support and it took me out of my comfort zone. I draw a lot on a digital tablet and it helps me prepare my future creations.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
I'm not afraid of large formats, I constantly try to surpass myself and progress. I'm not trying to be unique.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from everything that is happening in global graffiti. I have a particular affection for pop art because it goes well with this practice.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
The approach to my presence on canvas today is only the result of my weariness at not being able to interact with enthusiasts, collectors or curious people. I have painted for too long out of sight and now I want to share with as many people as possible.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technique, inspiration from art classics or other)?
As strange as it may seem, I also don't try to completely prepare my works. I like spontaneity, accidents and failures! I really need to research new things or new techniques.
Do you use a particular working technique? if yes, can you explain it?
I think I'm very conventional on the subject.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
The tools used of course. Brushes and knives are the perfect illustration of this. Bombs are sometimes only optional on certain works.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
Large formats because it allows me greater amplitude in my gestures and this enhances the gradients of aerosols.
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 have a room provided for this purpose, however, the bombs being accommodating, I prefer my garden in the heart of the Corrèze countryside.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it mean to you?
I now try to be in salons or galleries as much as possible in France or abroad to diversify my approach to art and meet new artists.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
I will continue to evolve towards figurative aerosol work. Technically speaking it's interesting. However, it would be a bit pretentious to talk about a career...
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
My latest creation is a “ynoxe” lettering decorated with a portrait of a woman entirely spray painted on a large wall.
What are your favorite topics and why?
I have a lot of access to my latest works on the expressive faces of women with glasses without knowing why. Surely I was hoping to go to an ophthalmologist.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
I would say the Louvre carousel via art shopping. This allowed me to observe and learn from people who have more experience than me.
If you could create a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper! Besides the fact that this work is masterful, I recognize myself well in a table with friends with abundant food. Even more so when the guy in the middle has the ability to turn water into wine!
If you could invite any famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
I invite Arcimboldo to a good red meat restaurant and I ask him how it is possible to have created the work "Vertumne" without having included a steak.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
| ArtMajeur Magazine
