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What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
I lived in Sweden for several years, where I studied Shoe Design. During this time, I was exposed to various artists and art movements, which sparked my enthusiasm and led me to start exploring further. I delved into a wealth of information by searching online, reading books, and watching documentaries; I couldn’t let it go. I began painting and drawing daily, experimenting with different techniques and materials, allowing me to express my own thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.
What is your artistic background, including the techniques and subjects you’ve experimented with so far?
In my work, I try to bring different themes to light. I tackle serious and sometimes bizarre topics (current events, the spirit of the times, sexuality), my love for animals and nature, as well as my personal fears and struggles. I try to depict these with a light touch, incorporating humor and satire, which often gives the work a double twist.
My pieces are almost always created on reclaimed wood—old cabinet s, doors, tables, and other discarded wood. I find it difficult to stick to one technique or theme; I usually work in phases, and when something starts to feel repetitive, I move on. I’ve had phases where I worked a lot with UV acrylics and hidden messages that appear under blacklight, phases focused solely on text, a phase with phallic symbols, and now I’m focused on working with wood, creating pieces that go beyond the frame, interactive works, and transforming old furniture into art. But tomorrow, it could all be entirely different.
Additionally, I am socially active with my clothing project One And One Makes Two. Each year, an artist, a friend without a home, or I myself create a new design, which is printed on a garment like a hoodie, sweater, or T-shirt. Customers buy this garment for themselves, and we donate a hoodie to a friend without a home (someone who is homeless or housing insecure).
What are the 3 aspects that set you apart from other artists, making your work unique?
I constantly want to develop myself, learn new techniques, learn from others, surprise my audience, and bring out the best in myself and my work.
That’s why my work will never be “the same.” It’s not limited to one form, one theme, one specific surface, or one technique. Despite this diversity, you can still recognize it as my work.
And, of course, I have a great sense of terrible humor.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from sometimes bizarre news stories, the beautiful and imposing natural world and animal kingdom, others' opinions, social media, and my personal fears.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations, or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
Humor and satire. The work is usually accessible to a broad audience. If I hear people laughing at an exhibition because they see one of my pieces, then I’ve achieved my goal. And despite some of the themes, children often find it impressive and funny too.
My goal is not to convey my own opinion. However, it may still encourage people to think about certain themes or spark conversations and discussions.
It can also evoke memories from the past. For example, I have a series featuring old cassette tapes. When people see it, they often start sharing their past experiences or explaining to their children what cassette tapes are.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparation process (technical, inspired by art classics or otherwise)?
When I’m working on Artwork A, my mind is already thinking about Artwork B. While the paint on Artwork A is drying, I start sketching out Artwork B. Once Artwork A is finished, I move on to creating Artwork B. And this cycle continues, on and on.
However, if I can’t work in my studio for a certain period, it’s always a bit challenging to get back into the flow. Then, I just have to start working to eventually get back into it.
Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared workspace, or in your own studio? And how do you organize your creative work in this space?
I always work in my studio, which is located in the old Willem Twee cigar factory in Den Bosch, Netherlands. I’m usually there Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. In my studio, I have a separate saw room, tables for painting and drawing, and a small computer corner. The tall walls are filled with my works.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, attend fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
Yes. Last year, I exhibited a lot, which didn’t leave much time for creating new works. That’s why I focused primarily on making new works during the first six months of this year. But exhibiting always brings something valuable! Beyond sales, it’s wonderful to meet new people, expand your network, and see how people respond to your work.
How do you envision the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
There are always new techniques and materials that I want to incorporate into my work. And maybe there will come a time in a few years when everything I’ve learned and created over the years comes together in a way that feels closer to my ideal of perfection. But above all, the joy and expressive outlet in my work are important, as well as surprising and delighting my audience.
All the goals I set in the early years of my career have been achieved. My current goals include exhibiting more frequently in places like , being more active in art fairs, and building a team to help me in various areas (such as marketing and a permanent agent).
Can you tell us about your most important fair experience?
Every other year, I exhibit at KunstRai in Amsterdam with gallery owner Rob Malasch from Serieuze Zaken / Wow Amsterdam. I really enjoy this week! So many different people come, and my work gets a lot of attention. Last time, I had an interactive piece displayed, and there were lines of people wanting to see what would happen or actively participate. That was a truly enjoyable moment.
If you could invite a famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest spending the evening?
I would choose Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Andy Warhol at The Factory in New York. I’d be curious to see what they were like outside the spotlight, and a party at The Factory sounds like a good time.
Or Banksy. Just to know who they are.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli 
