Our community of artists is the core foundation of Artfinder. With such a vast community based in all corners of the world, we wanted to help them share more about their artist journey, their artistic process and technique and what inspires them. Today, we chat with one of our amazing painters, Veronica Ciccarese.
Can you introduce yourself, where you are from and how long you have been with Artfinder for?
I am Veronica Ciccarese, an Italian painter, specifically from Puglia, in a small town surrounded by olive trees and near the sea. I have been on Artfinder since May 2023.
In just a short sentence, how would you describe/summarise your work?
My paintings are like a book written over time, of past women, of modern women, of women I have known or simply of women who don't exist. Each work is a piece of a mosaic of the female universe.
What influences you and your work?
I am the grandson of art. My uncle painted and my grandfather composed music! I have always been inspired by the art that surrounded me. Even now, music and cinema are my greatest source of inspiration.
What does your creative process involve?
My work starts from the longest phase, the idea! days follow in which I am immersed in music, which helps me create. Then there is the search for images that reflect my thoughts. I reinterpret and design them. When I'm lucky I have my models who help me develop the idea on canvas with some photographic shots. From here on I start the brush strokes.
Have you changed as an artist over time?
A lot and I still feel like I'm evolving. I have changed as a person and therefore my art and my way of painting are also different. In the beginning he was more attentive to details and if something didn't turn out as I wanted I went into crisis! Today I am more attracted not by the form but by what the painting conveys to me.
What’s your favourite artwork you created and why?
My favourite work is my self-portrait because when I look at it every day I notice something more about myself today. Looking at it today, for example, I noticed that I unconsciously painted the hand in a position years ago which communicates a message that is reflected in me today. It's as if the painting evolved with me, a sort of Dorian Grey!
What do you think is the role of art/artists in society?
Art allows us to preserve our best intuitions by making them accessible to all. It helps to stimulate thinking, to grow, to develop everyone's potential. Artists have the unique ability to communicate profound messages and evoke emotions that can inspire reflection and action.
What advice do you have for emerging artists looking to make a living out of their art career?
It's hard, but it's worth it!
Cover image via Veronica Ciccarese
