The hidden and uncomfortable
After my diploma at the Artistic High School, which wasn’t the best place for self-expression, but surely a good way to learn techniques, I improved by myself looking at great affirmed artists in fantasy and horror genres. My first artwork was for black metal one man band Mortis Mutilati (FR). Macabre gave me really good ideas with his music and the concept of Eros & Thanatos, which is also my central source of inspiration while I work on my own. The artwork was a constant crescendo of symbolism, I had the opportunity to follow the creative process of composition and every note created the ideas for the drawings used in Mélopéé Funèbre.
I try to experiment as much as possible, mixing elements like watercolours and alcohol-based markers or digital textures on traditional drawings. I used to prefer traditional tools like watercolours and ink, charcoal and others. In my opinion give different sensations, like if it’s possible to “touch with eyes” the substance of drawings. But I also use Photoshop for digital paintings and textures.
Soul, Sensuality, Death.
The “war inside” it’s one of my favourite concept. For example, the cover of Mélopée Funèbre it’s from a drawing called “Revealed”. That drawing represent the unconscious soul that comes out, revealing fears and demons, and the conscient soul (the eye) that can’t control it anymore. But my real source of inspiration it’s Eros & Thanatos: the sexual pulsion mixed with the moment of death, the contrast of pure sensuality and horrible putrefaction. I use to draw the hourglass with wings (can be found in every monumental cemetery) that represent the elusiveness of life. “Tempus Fugit”, said my latin ancestors. Last but not least, the Saturnine figure of woman it’s important for me and it’s on the 90% of my works.
I have moments of pure darkness where i can’t even draw. In that case, books (of Edgar Allan Poe, for example) and music are the solutions. I consider Goya as my master on disturbing drawings, and Da Vinci as the one for anatomical studies. I am quite inspired also by creepy old illustrations and ex-libris that represent death and maidens. I love to see the Venus or Nymphs paintings done in different artistic periods, from Pre-Raphaelites to Art Nouveau. The feminine figure is the principal subject I use to draw, so I always search about it.
I participate to the activities of Masonry http://www.facebook.com/CreativaMassoneria to change subjects and learn different techniques.
Interview by Alex Milazzo – Copyright 2016 © Heavy Music Artwork. All rights reserved.
