Make Space artist Elisa Cantarelli answers our probing questions…
Who are you and explain what you do in 100 words? My name is Elisa Cantarelli. I am an Italian visual artist based in London since 2009. I work predominantly with mixed media on printed images, a unique technique I call Dotting, which is my personal way to colour an image. Dropping the media colour on colour, shade on shade.
What’s your background? I have studied Art since I was 13 and also played basketball for nearly 20 years. Those have always been my passions.
I graduated at the Bologna Academy of Fine Art in 2006. In 2007 I won the national award Premio Nazionale delle Arti and my work was exhibitied at Bologna Art Fair. This opportunity gave my work a lot of visibility. Since then I have taken part in solo shows, group shows & art fairs in Italy, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong.
What role does art have in society? In my opinion Art should be the perfect escape. We are living in a very difficult world.
I try to express my art so that in some way it can provide that escape. I try to underline what is positive, what is funny, what makes you smile, what makes you laugh because I believe that an optimistic and positive attitude can help you face every day real life better. I am down to earth taking care of everyday emotions. But I respect and admire artists who often choose to describe really terrible situations in the world, to point out problems, to fight them, to show them to people through their Art.
What’s your favourite piece of art? There are too many between old masters and contemporary artists. If I have to pick one piece… actually one artist I would say Yayoi Kusama with her massive installations: ‘Infinity Rooms’ and ‘Dots Obsession’ series of installations reconfigures her trademark polka dots and mirrors.
Why art? Why art and why basketball?! Because I was lucky that my parents gave me the freedom to follow my passions. So the answer would be: Because I love it, I love what I do and it gives me a lot of energy and strength.
What superpower would you have and why? Teleportation! To be able to go quickly back home to see my family and friends anytime I want.
What talent do you yearn for? Multitasking artist, wife, mum and friend.
What is your dream project? To find the perfect balance between the above, which will lead to real happiness… Teleporting included of course!!!
Best piece of advice you’ve been given? To work hard and be yourself.
Professionally, what’s your goal? To become a full time artist!
What wouldn’t you do without? Love, family and my Art.
What does Make Space mean to you? It’s a community space where I can have the freedom to create, share and grow as an artist and as a person.
