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What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
My first major encounter with art happened in early childhood, in kindergarten. During a drawing lesson, I depicted an erupting volcano. It was an abstract drawing filled with bright colors — yellows, oranges, and reds. That was the first time I felt how strongly colors affect me and the joy I experience simply by moving the brush and creating lines with them. This moment became an important step on my path to art, as I realized the ability of colors to evoke emotions and associations.
Another significant realization of the direction I wanted to take in life came to me during my time in London. At 21, I went there with no money and no job, and lived like that for almost a year. I stayed in a squat surrounded by creative people from all over the world — artists, poets, musicians. This time also helped me understand that the world opens up to me most through creativity and self-expression.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with so far?
I have experimented a lot with techniques and subjects. Technique is still one of my key tools, and I learn something new every day. I enjoy mixing different materials and painting techniques, as it makes the process very exciting for me. I have room to grow, and this helps me stay in good creative shape. In the past, I followed the subjects of the artists I ired at various times. This led me to explore abstract and geometric painting and try adding text to my works. Now, I try to listen more to myself and choose what truly resonates with me, such as the inner world of a person and their existential experiences.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
As one of my colleagues said, "my works look both cute and frightening at the same time." I really liked this statement because it accurately captures the duality present in my works. I often aim to create images that evoke mixed emotions, combining elements of vulnerability and strength, softness and tension. As another colleague of mine, a painter, said, I use very unusual color combinations. According to her, she would never combine such colors in her own works, but she likes how I do it in mine. Color palette is yet another aspect that might set me apart from other artists. I enjoy experimenting with colors, creating unexpected harmonies, which gives my works a unique visual character. I often choose themes and images that may be unexpected or even unfamiliar to the viewer. My works often open new perspectives, make the viewer think, and look at familiar things from a completely new angle. This desire to go beyond the ordinary creates a unique atmosphere in my paintings, setting them apart from many other works.
Where does your inspiration come from?
The works of other artists, directors, or musicians can inspire new ideas in me and prompt me to experiment in my creativity. Sometimes, inspiration comes without a clear reason or logical explanation. It’s simply a moment when an intuitive desire to express something new arises, to create something unusual that reflects my feelings at this stage of life. I don’t always clearly understand what exactly these feelings or emotions are. Art is my way of thinking, my tool for understanding the world, a means of connection with it, and self-reflection. When I want to say something, I create a new painting. And as you can see, I like to chat.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
My artistic approach can be described as intuitive and experimental. My goal is to evoke a moment of deep empathy, an unexpected discovery, or even discomfort in the viewer. I strive to show how art can be not only a source of aesthetic pleasure, but also a means of awakening, reflection, and emotional experience.
I am fascinated by the work of filmmakers. I can’t imagine how it is possible to create such a massive machine as a film and keep track of everything happening in it. In my paintings, I also try to be like a director and producer of a film based on real events from our lives. And so what if we've never seen it this way — it doesn't mean it can't be!
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)?
Often, before starting work, I spend some time in contemplation and preparation. This may involve researching a certain theme, creating photos, sketches and collages. I also enjoy analyzing the works of other artists, drawing inspiration from their techniques and approaches. I experiment with materials and techniques, trying different combinations to find the best way to realize my ideas.
Do you use a particular work technique? if so, can you explain it?
I use different techniques in my work, and each of them helps me express various ideas and emotions, as well as makes the creative process very engaging. One of the main techniques I often apply is mixed media, where I combine different materials. This can include the use of acrylic and oil paints, pastels, charcoal, as well as various textural materials such as sand or texture paste. Among the most unusual materials I have used in my recent works are liquid wallpaper and applying paint to canvas with an airbrush.
Additionally, I often study the technical aspects of other artists' works. This year, at the Venice Biennale of Art, I saw the works of artists such as Julie Mehretu and Jeffrey Gibson, which made a strong impression on me, and I immediately wanted to replicate their methods. I constantly strive to learn something new and improve my skills. Technique is a very important component of art for me, which ranks just after its metaphysical aspect.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
I can't say that I use any particularly innovative methods in my work. Yes, I often combine various artistic techniques and materials, creating multilayered pieces, but this approach is hardly groundbreaking in contemporary painting. This summer, I started adding embroidery to my paintings. At that moment, it felt like something very unusual and fresh. But after visiting the Venice Biennale this autumn, I realized that I'm not the only one using embroidery alongside painting. I saw several artists there who are doing the same. Our world is so dynamic, with so many different ideas floating around. It's hard to be ultra-unique or innovative right now, and this race doesn't really interest me that much. Creating my own unique visual language — that’s what really matters to me.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
I prefer to work on canvas because this material allows me to create paintings with the necessary texture and depth. Canvas is a traditional yet versatile medium that works well with various techniques. As for the format, I most often use medium and large sizes. These formats give me enough space to express my ideas and allow for more expansive compositions. Additionally, working with larger formats allows me to interact with the painting more actively, which is important to the process itself. Recently, I have been intrigued by the idea of incorporating three-dimensional elements into my exhibitions, such as installations and sculptures. I want my paintings and the worlds created within them to extend into the three-dimensional space of the gallery. I strive to ensure that the viewer not only observes the painting but also interacts with it, becoming a part of its world.
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 have been working in my own studio for over 10 years. In my opinion, an artist needs a separate studio to focus on the process without external distractions. I go to my studio every day at 8:30, do yoga or Pilates, have my first coffee, and start working. I stay there until the evening, trying to work throughout the entire week. Sometimes, when I have no ideas or experience a creative block, I simply clean, sort through old works, review materials, write projects, or meditate. The key is to be there. The atmosphere in the studio eventually pushes me to work. I once watched an interview with John Baldessari, in which he said he always goes to his studio every day. He said he could spend the whole day just cleaning the floors, but the important thing is to be there. I this and try to follow the same principle. Although, to be honest, I am constantly drawn to my studio, and I don’t have to make any effort to go there. I cannot imagine myself without my studio.
My studio is not very large — 30 square meters, and sometimes I feel a bit cramped, especially when I am working on large paintings and simultaneously creating installations. But overall, the atmosphere in the studio is very calm and good: it's quiet and warm. Warmth is an important factor for me because cold makes it difficult to concentrate. I never understood sculptural studios and the people who work in such spaces. How do they do it? It’s so cold in there!
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
Yes, my work sometimes involves traveling for exhibitions, art camps, residencies, and other art events. These events give me the opportunity to meet new people, exchange experiences with colleagues, and receive on my work. It's also a chance to see how my paintings are perceived in different contexts and environments. It's not only an opportunity to promote my work, but also an important source of inspiration and motivation.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
In the future, I see the development of my creativity as a process that will inevitably deepen and expand. I want to further develop my visual language, incorporating installation and sculpture into my work to create more immersive and multifaceted projects.
I aim to place a special focus on finding opportunities to participate in prestigious international exhibitions and residencies, to showcase my work in different cultural contexts and platforms. I hope that my art will attract the attention of collectors and a wider audience, including those interested not only in visual art but also in culture as a whole. I also seek to develop collaborations with galleries and institutions that and promote contemporary forms of art.
Overall, I hope that my creative journey will continue to grow and mature, opening new horizons for self-expression and interaction with the world.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
In my latest works, I explore the contradictions of human nature — the collision of different, sometimes opposing, emotions and states. I am interested in how internal conflicts and the ambiguity of human nature affect our perception of the world and our interaction with it. I attempt to visualize these internal tensions, showing how opposites can coexist, creating new meanings and forms.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
One of my latest exhibitions, held at the Draakon Gallery in Tallinn, Estonia in the summer of 2023, focused on the theme of femininity and became an important step in my creative journey. In this project, I explored the inner contradictions of female nature — the fusion of tenderness and strength, fragility and confidence, naivety and maturity. These contradictions, in my opinion, are an integral part of our lives and human nature as a whole, and through these images, I aimed to convey the multilayered and complex inner world of a person.
The uniqueness of the project lay in the fact that I worked in close collaboration with a team of specialists. First, with a talented sculptor who brought my sketches into three-dimensional form. The sculpture was an important part of this exhibition. The team also included a designer who helped create the visual atmosphere of the exhibition and organized the space, allowing all the elements of the project to be harmoniously integrated. Equally important was the collaboration with a graphic designer who worked on the exhibition catalog.
Working in a team was an incredibly inspiring experience that allowed me to combine different art forms and create something cohesive and multifaceted. This project opened new horizons for my creativity and gave me the opportunity to look at the exhibition creation process in a new light.
If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
I looked at Hieronymus Bosch's catalog a lot when I was a child, especially his painting The Garden of Earthly Delights. This work made a deep impression on me with its complexity and intricate details. I was captivated by its incredible images and mysterious symbols. Every time I examined it, I discovered something new — hidden details and multi-layered symbols that still remain largely unexplored. This experience of studying Bosch's paintings has undoubtedly influenced my perception of art and my approach to creating my own works. If I could have created any of the famous masterpieces of art, I would choose this painting. I would love to create something as visually captivating and meaningful.
If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
If I could invite any artist to dinner, I would choose the medieval artist Giotto di Bondone — one of the most significant artists of the early Renaissance, whose color palette and imagery made a strong impression on me. His works revolutionized the perception of art in his time and became the foundation for the further development of European painting.
I would suggest spending the evening at an Italian restaurant with simple yet delicious dishes, to match the time in which Giotto lived. We could discuss his approach to composition, color, and lighting, which were so innovative for his time. Perhaps I would ask him to share his thoughts on how he managed to overcome the stylistic limitations of his era and create art that had such a profound influence on subsequent artists.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli 
