Italian painter, Silvio Porzionato, is inspired by the world around him and the people who happen (by chance) to walk into his life. Some people come into focus more, and when they do, Silvio is fascinated by their individualistic qualities: their faces, their bodies, their lives. The results are astounding, large-scale portraits of friends and acquaintances that offer a view into their souls. Ahead of the exhibition E LA VITA / ES LA VIDA (IT’S LIFE), which opens April 8 (and runs through May 9), Silvio recently spoke with ARTSPACE 8 about his Indian summer and the importance of silence.
AS8: How would you describe your work in three words?
SP: Dynamic, instinctive, alive.
AS8: Explain your creative process. Do you have a special routine to get your process started?
SP: I need to look at the world to feel inspired. The only form of routine I practice is [when I paint], during the painting process. With regard to the project itself, or the creative stimulus, I breathe [life] into many different things.
AS8: What sources do you look to for inspiration?
SP: I [am] inspired by people: [their] faces, [their] bodies. [It is] as if I can not avoid it. Some people, [I] just look at them, and I want to portray them. And then, I like to be inspired by other artists and their exhibitions.
AS8: What / who inspired you to be an artist? At what age?
SP: It’s a very long story. I was 32, and I was in Calcutta. An Indian painter, very old, look[ed] at my face, [and] told me, “You are a painter.” But, I had never painted before! The same day I started.
AS8: What’s the most important item in your studio?
SP: Light!
AS8: Do you listen to music while you work?
SP: It depends. I listen to everything. Before starting I [have to] decide to paint. But sometimes I also need silence.
AS8: Describe a typical day in your life as an artist.
SP: I like to wake up [early] at 7 am, and I paint. Once finished, I stare at the result for hours.
AS8: What were some of your most challenging commissions?
SP: [The most challenging project] was an installation of 100 paintings, [a series] that depict[ed] 100 faces from the ages of 0 to 99 years, that I was commissioned by from the Castle of Calatabiano, by the Museo Arte Contemporanea Sicilia.
AS8: Do you have any other special interests or hobbies?
SP: No special hobby: maybe cooking. Eating, indeed!
AS8: Are you currently working on any new projects?
SP: The only project that I am working on right now is to paint in the most free way that I can. Maybe I’m experiencing a period of “selfish painting”, [but] I am inspired by people I see and meet on the street. If I see a face I like, I can not help but stop, and ask [them] to pose for me.
AS8: What is your most prized accomplishment as an artist?
SP: Having my art shown at the Venice Biennale.
AS8: Why should collectors invest in figurative art?
SP: I am often asked this question. Most recently, a collector asked me the same question and, my response was, “because it is the most understandable”.
I love the way you detail your paintings, indeed I’m impress, anyway I’m also an artist who does portrait oil paintings, but your work is marvellous I can’t wait to visit your studio very soon, when I come to Italy. I appreciate your work sir. My Tel No is 2348063426526 on imo and watsapp, hope to hear from you.
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