What prompted you to become an artist? What is your background ?
I have always been drawn to art. At 12 I knew he would be an integral part of my life. I am self-taught and today I consider it an asset. It took me a while to be in tune with my production, but I found my artistic path on my own without teacher influence. I am proud of this hesitant journey. At some point, I believed in myself and everything changed in the result of my work.
What are the 3 things that differentiate you from other artists?
Isn't it for others to say? It is difficult to have an external view of oneself. On the other hand, I would say that my work combines strength, the human and questioning.
Where does your inspiration come from?
As far as I can remember, I had an attraction, an empathy, a support for the different beings that I defended from a world that I already found cruel. Also my travels around the world and in particular the African continent influence my creativity where meeting people is my priority.
Tell us about the conception of your works, do you have a long preparatory work or is it quite spontaneous?
I realize in the first part a multitude of ceramic heads, arms, feet and bodies. At the same time, I have a stock of structural timber and driftwood. Often the sculpture will come to life as evidence, without reflection. It just happens, I would say. I am often surprised with the result. I surprise myself (in all modesty).
What do you want to show through your work?
I seek to initiate reflection on the differences and inequalities of peoples around the world. I translate my incomprehension of a world that forgets the human. I encourage us to take a deeper look at our daily lives.
In your work do you use techniques or materials that are out of the ordinary?
I combine smoky ceramics with recycled materials from nature (old pieces of wood, fabrics, ropes, leathers, metals and papers often burnt)
Do you have a favorite format? Why ?
No, all formats appeal to me. Maybe a difficulty for small parts but it becomes a challenge and in the end I like it.
What difficulties do you encounter in your work?
Transporting the works (laughs). I think that's the problem of all sculptors...
How do you work? At home, in a shared workshop, in your own workshop?
I live in a workshop house. There are more work spaces than living spaces.
Does the work of an artist lead you to travel a lot?
I exhibit mainly in all regions of France, sometimes in Europe. My leitmotif being the encounter with the other, the reflection on the human being, I would like to be able to combine my exhibitions with more distant travels.
What was the best moment of your career?
The first time I entered the Grand Palais as an exhibiting artist and not as a visitor.
How do you see your work in ten years?
Large pieces with even more emotional force.
What are you currently working on? Are you planning an exhibition soon?
I am currently working on large non-totemic characters. My next exhibitions are for the "village d'artistes" gallery in Rablay sur Layon (49) and the Salon Comparaisons at the Grand Palais Éphémère in Paris in Bruno Lemée's "singulière sculpture" group in February 2022.
If you could have created a masterpiece of art history, which one would you choose? Why ?
Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace. For the originality of the work in its time and which remains so today. For the tenacity of this man. For the extraordinary dimension of the work.
If you could invite a famous artist for dinner (dead or alive), which one would you choose? Why ?
Ousmane Sow for the strength of his work, his personal story, the human he represents.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
| ArtMajeur Magazine
