What made you turn to art and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)?
My journey as an artist began suddenly. Perhaps throughout my life creativity has always been inside me and was just waiting for the right moment to emerge. It just happened at the right time.
What is your creative path, techniques and subjects that you've experimented with so far?
I first started drawing in pencil. They were borderline portraits of everyone who came my way. Then black pencil gave way to colorful, hyper-realistic works. Then my friends recognized my abilities and began to give me my first commissions. I have always wanted to paint in oil and the moment came when I bought paints and started to work with oil painting. I tried acrylics. But up to now oil painting is my favorite.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists that make your work unique?
Perhaps my work expresses emotionality more than certain others. It's peculiar, authentic. Every artist first of all strives to show emotionality and everyone has an emotionality that's different. It's the same with me, it's different.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration is the lot of lazy artists. I work according to the principle "appetite comes with food. Sometimes, of course, there are times when I am full of energy and am happy to translate it into art. Usually the source is some vivid events, unusual places, especially churches, temples, theaters, unusual museums, travel.
What is the intent of your art? What visions, feelings, or sensations do you want to evoke in the viewer?
The intention is to evoke emotions. First of all with myself. I want to look at what I'm creating and say "wow, that's freaking great." Then what I'm doing will have success and resonate. So it's also a priority for the viewer to evoke certain emotions such as elation, admiration, excitement, inspiration, enthusiasm.
What is the process of creating your work? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technique, inspiration from art classics or other)?
If I paint for myself I usually spend a long time looking for the subject of my painting. I think about whether it will strike me, how relevant it is and how much it will express my feelings.
What techniques do you prefer? If so, can you explain it?
I like to paint in oil with a brush and palette knife. I love the layering and the bold strokes that form a tangible relief when they solidify. I love the expression in painting, when the strokes are chaotic, layered on top of each other, mixing on the canvas.
Is there an innovative aspect to your work? Can you tell us which ones?
Rather not something I have developed as an innovation. Perhaps the innovation is that I can paint 10 paintings in 2 weeks ;)
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable working with? If so, why?
I am most comfortable working when I am not touched for twenty-four hours, have access to wine, and until my back hurts.
Where do you create your work? At home, in a shared or private studio? And how is your production organized in this space?
I work at home, in my room. I have an easel and a small table with everything I need. When I'm not painting, everything is hidden in the corners.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, to exhibit? If so, what do you get out of it?
I haven't had a chance to travel for art yet. There have been opportunities to do so, to exhibit but I refused for lack of experience and fear).
How do you envision the evolution of your work and your figure as an artist in the future?
I'm waiting for the moment when something clicks in my head and I take off to the highest level of my skill and start creating masterpiece after masterpiece and say "wow, that's freaking great" every time. I hope that creativity will give me the tools to fulfill myself in life as a public figure. The ability to not just paint beautiful pictures, but to have certain opportunities to help other people on certain issues.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artwork?
Lately I've started to immerse myself in digital art and I'm currently developing this direction.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
I don't have a great exhibition experience at the moment. I've had some small exhibitions. But there's still time.
If you could create a famous work of art history, which one would you choose? And why would you choose it?
Out of the ones that already exist? If yes then it would be The Last Supper. If from the ones I can create - I have no idea :))
If you could invite a famous artist (dead or living) to dinner, who would it be ? How would you suggest he/she spend the evening?
I would meet Andy Warhol. I'd really like to get into a factory party.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
