What motivated you to create art and become an artist? (Events, feelings, experiences...)
Creating has always been my passion since childhood. After my studies, I found myself working as a resin craftsman, coming into close contact with sculptures and design elements. In this context, I cultivated more and more the desire to create something unique, bearing my signature. Due to busy work, I never had the strength to try until I found myself unable to work in the workshop during the epidemic. At that moment, I gathered the necessary courage and decided to finally make my first sculpture. The satisfaction of seeing my work appreciated all over the world pushed me to do better and better.
What is your artistic background, techniques and subjects you have experimented with so far?
My artistic background embraces a variety of techniques:
traditional painting forms, digital drawing, 3d modeling, all the way to making resin sculptures. I have experimented with different mediums to find my artistic voice.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
What makes my work unique are the combination of contrasting elements, the distinctive use of resin as a medium, and the exploration of contemporary themes that catch the viewer's eye.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration emerges from introspection, observation of the natural world and everyday interactions. Reflection on the relationship between art and everyday objects, the beauty hidden in everyday simplicity, textures, lights, reflections. Look up, look...art is everywhere.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
My artistic approach focuses on deep and versatile communication through a combination of social and pop messages, often with a touch of irony. I try to reinterpret the world with contemporary, impactful and memorable design, conveying my vision of beauty as a unifying force. My works seek to capture a sense of recognition and connection to the harmony hidden in beauty, encouraging viewers to explore new perspectives and overcome monotony through continual challenge and experimentation with materials such as resin.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspired by art classics or other)?
For sculptures, I start from a model usually worked by hand with plasticine or printed with 3d stmapante after working the graphics on the PC, I prepare the rubber mold and plaster for support, by casting then the sculpture is made to be finished to give it the finish.
In the process of creating paintings, I usually start with a pencil sketch to give concreteness to the idea that forms in my mind. Later, after working on the graphic, I intervene manually to further enrich the work.
Do you use a particular working technique? if yes, can you explain it?
As an artist, I continuously strive to renew my work, exploring new techniques, technologies and creative approaches to always bring freshness and innovation to my works.
For example, for chrome finishes, I use a process that makes it possible to coat resin with metal. Unlike other coating techniques, in this case, the metal is bonded to the surface of the object at the molecular level, this environmentally friendly process devoid of processing byproducts allows for the production of excellent quality products that will retain their special characteristics over time.
Are there innovative aspects to your work? Can you tell us what they are?
The integration of common objects or iconic symbols with three-dimensional elements and innovative concepts. In each work, a connection is made between the everyday and art. This innovative approach allows familiar objects to acquire new meanings, challenging expectations and offering a creative reinterpretation of the basic elements of everyday life.
Do you have a format or medium that you feel most comfortable with? if so, why?
I prefer medium/large formats, both to meet market needs and to facilitate shipping of works. While I am proficient in the use of resin and digital art, I push the envelope by experimenting with new artistic mediums when I feel the need to go beyond the creative routine.
Where do you produce your work? At home, in a shared lab, or in your workshop? And in this space, how do you organize your creative work?
I operate from the workshop under my house handling orders and bringing my creations to life. Being close to my family is wonderful, but at the same time, it requires considerable energy. I find inspiration in the nights, when my brain is most active; sometimes, I have gotten out of bed to shape an immediate idea. Currently, I am looking for a suitable room to expand my workshop so that I can create a space dedicated to each artistic technique.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
Although my work offers the opportunity to travel, at the moment it is my works that "fly" for me. With two small children, I prefer to work from home, avoiding the inevitable expenditure of time and energy that would be involved in constantly moving from one city to another. Although traveling would be fascinating, my focus is currently on art production, and I fear that engaging in travel could take precious time away from this passion.
How do you envision the evolution of your work and career as an artist in the future?
I am a down-to-earth guy but at the same time I like to dream. Since I started working in the art world it has been all growth and this makes me dream even more. Step by step I am trying to broaden my audience trying to convey my message, I have a long way ahead of me and I am looking forward to it.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
The theme focuses on reinterpreting historical paintings with a contemporary style, where bold and dynamic elements create a compelling marriage of the ancient and the modern. The technique, a fusion of digital art, painting and sculpture, infuses the work with an innovative note, celebrating art as a visual journey that creatively traverses past and present.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
It was a wonderful experience to exhibit at the New York Design Fair a few months ago. However, I think a major project for me is the one I have in Amsterdam this year, in collaboration with a startup for a new contemporary art museum. I'm convinced that this project will make waves.
If you could create a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
If I had to opt for an inspiration, I would choose Lucio Fontana's famous "cuts." It fascinates me because it represents a work that revolutionized contemporary art, exploring uncharted territories. The "simplicity" in making the work, so much so that non-experts exclaim, "I could have done that too," gives meaning to an art that, over time, tends to become increasingly abstract, where thought becomes predominant.
If you could invite a famous artist (living or dead) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest they spend the evening?
I would invite Maurizio Cattelan without a doubt, I love his work but most of all I am fascinated by his way of entering art and how he disrupted the perception of it. I would open a good bottle of wine and after the second one, I would start extorting some secrets from him.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
