What inspired you to create artwork and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
Since I was very young, I grew up surrounded by amateur artists: photographers, sculptors, painters, musicians, actors. This entourage naturally invited me to discover Art in different forms. My first sketches in pastel and Indian ink on Canson paper were created when I was 8 years old. I was particularly inspired by Gustave Klimt, Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with to date?
After years of drawing, I turned to painting from 2007. My paintings evoke a fantasized universe, sometimes abstract and serene with soft tones, or on the contrary illustrate regions vibrant with colors - a sketch of a world where we would like to 'to integrate. My latest series is devoted to meadows and hedgerow grids.
And for several years, I have been working on volumes….sculpture. My thematic repertoire ranges from plump silhouettes to the humorous Noah's ark, including totems combining colorful geometry and ethnic motifs.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
My work is based on 3 components: rhythm, balance and harmony
Through my works, I strive to transcribe the freshness of a vision of the world around me, diving into color with relish.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I am constantly alert and observe a lot. Everything nourishes me, but travel and the animal world particularly inspire me.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
My works are large interior landscapes where I let my emotions flow, made of serenity, balance but also a certain fantasy.
I aspire to bring joy and cheerfulness into the minds of those who look at my works. The amused look and smile of visitors young and old at the sight of my whimsical animals is a great reward.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technique, inspiration from art classics or other)?
My artistic reflection is the reflection of a long maturation and the fruit of continued work. Nothing is done at random.
Everything is sketched beforehand, thought out in both 2D and 3D. But it's a job that combines concentration and fun. I have fun creating all these critters.
Do you use a particular working technique? if yes, can you explain it?
In painting, I use acrylic and ink, which dry much faster than oil. And in sculpture, I use different materials: wood, resin, paper, fabric.
On the technical side, forgive me if I keep my manufacturing secrets like a perfumer who creates a new fragrance or a chef who develops a new sauce.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
Each work is unique, namely in only 1 copy. In fact, reproducing a work in 10 or 100 copies doesn't interest me, it's far too monotonous.
In general, I associate brothers and sisters with the centerpiece to create a small series of works and propose a harmonious whole.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
For two-dimensional formats, I prefer to paint on cotton canvas mounted on a wooden frame, minimum 20F. I also like working on square formats.
For volumes, I am comfortable with wood and resin, two supports offering good solidity. Paper is also a very interesting medium for exploring aerial works, installations, and the play of shadow and transparency.
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 set up my own workshop at home, with all my equipment at my disposal. I can start working early in the morning, and until late, so focused that I sometimes forget to eat lunch or dinner.
It is a space where matter is transformed, where completed works rub shoulders with those still under construction.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it mean to you?
Having participated in more than 130 exhibitions, my works and I have had the opportunity to travel in France, but also abroad, notably in Japan, the United States, Spain, Portugal and Italy.
It is an opportunity to discover and meet other artists, and above all to compare my works to an audience of amateurs and collectors.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
Honestly, I'm not making any plans on the comet. I aspire to constantly renew myself, explore new styles, and continue to have fun.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
My last two works are made in wood, in an abstract style with dynamic colors contrasting the black and white patterns.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
In fact, there are two...
It was at the Grand Palais in Paris, during the ART CAPITAL show. It is one of the most emblematic Parisian monuments where Picasso, Hopper, Renoir and many others have exhibited.
Exhibiting my work under the large glass dome was moving for me. This exhibition is a bit like a showcase which allowed me to receive new exhibition proposals both in the Paris region and in the provinces.
The other significant experience was exhibiting my paintings during the television program “Thé ou Café” on France 2. The show's scenographer had discovered my work in the specialized press. On Saturday April 14, 2014 in the morning, I discovered my 13 paintings adorning the walls of the France Télévisions set.
If you could create a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
It's difficult to choose just one work.
Probably, the PUMPKIN of the Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama for her colorful and polka dot universe.
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 would invite Banksy to finally put a face to a nickname, and discover spray paint. And why not do a little street art in an alley for an evening.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
