Meet the artists that have taken over our Instagram every Thursday in the past month! Showcasing exclusive interviews with Giulia Quaresima, and Bryan Lavelle.
GIULIA QUARESIMA
1) Walk me through a typical day in the studio for you?
GQ: I try to keep my days relatively similar as having a routine helps me be more productive. I usually start the day in my studio warming up with some sketching; then I focus on commissions and personal projects, always listening to some music. I then create some content to share on my social media, and I read about art news, upcoming exhibitions, artist’s bios, and watch catalogues to keep constantly inspired.
2) What is something viewers might not know about your work?
GQ: Looking at some of my works on wood panels, it’s easy to notice that often the support becomes the background itself. That’s because I’m fascinated by the wood’s grains, first because the patterns are different every time and also because they remind me of wrinkles - The relentless passage of time is one of my favourite subjects. I don’t like to hide them, but I like to keep them visible, as in my opinion they can add value to my compositions.
3) What is the most challenging part of your process as an artist and what is most rewarding?
GQ: The most challenging part of my process as an artist is certainly to be patient while creating. Even though in day-to-day life I consider myself an extremely patient person, when it comes to art I can’t wait to see the final results, and in order to do that I work as much as I can, risking sometimes to finish the work too quickly. On the other hand, the most rewarding part is certainly when my idea manages to flow easily and naturally from my mind to my hand and on the canvas and customers and collectors appreciate my work, understand and agree on what I wanted to say so much that they want to have my artworks in their houses/galleries.
4) Is there any advice you have for artists/creators during this difficult time?
GQ: I think that making art is beneficial, especially during difficult times like the ones we are living in. Not just because it’s fun and it makes us feel better, but because it gives us meaning and helps to connect, create impact, gives hope and comfort, helps understand ourselves and others and helps to process our experiences. So even if it would be for just 5 minutes a day, please keep making art.
BRYAN LAVELLE
1) Walk me through a typical day in the studio for you?
BL: Yesterday was a typical day, mostly spent cutting, sanding and priming MDF panels, which I use as the support for my paintings. I also spend quite a lot of time mixing acrylic paint with mediums and then stirring the paint every few hours, so that the desired consistency is achieved before I then start painting. If there's any time left after all that I might actually pour out a painting!
2) What is something viewers might not know about your work?
BL: I never intended to be a painter, I originally intended to be a sculptor, however through making work whilst at art school, I realised that my ideas and what I was trying to achieve were better suited to paint than 3D materials. I don't own what many of my peers would describe as a 'proper' paintbrush, instead I am a prolific pourer of paint!
3) What is the most challenging part of your process as an artist and what is most rewarding?
BL: One of the most challenging aspects of my process is that I use uncontrollable factors such as gravity to ultimately make the mark, so chance does play a large part in what I do. This can of course be one of the most rewarding aspects also and if I think of making art as a journey, if the destination were completely known, would the journey really be worth making?
4) Is there any advice you have for artists/creators during this difficult time?
BL: Just don't give up, I make art, not just because I want to, but almost because I need to - that is to say I couldn't not make art. Believe in yourself and your work, look for any opportunities to get your work out there and if you sell a piece or someone wants to exhibit your work, enjoy the moment, you deserve it!
