Interview with Andrea D’Aquino
Today it’s artist Andrea D’Aquine we talked to for our interview. When did she start making art and what is her art about?
Read more about her after the click.
Why and when did you start making art?
It was never a conscious choice. I’ve been doing it since childhood.
What kind of art do you make?
My work usually has an element of story-telling, a sense of wit (as opposed to humour, I hope), graphically pleasing, though rarely decorative only. A hint of darkness, even if light-hearted, and a streak of levity, even when dark or serious. It’s not conscious, but I see a kind of thought-process that is tangible in my work, rather than perfection. I hope it is spontaneous, personal and not chasing any trends. I enjoy any medium from paint, to drawing, or collage, print-making, mixed media, digital. The one thing I very rarely do is 3-dimensions. I prefer to stick to 2, though I do enjoy motion and have experimented with various types of animation.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everywhere, of course. I do try to keep my artistic inspirations drawn from the classics (of any genre or period), timeless work, unfashionable or unpopular work, and while I enjoy the work of many of my contemporaries, I strive to stay true to my own voice.
What does your usual workday look like?
A long and early dog walk with my schnauzer, Marcello. Ease into the day with the usual websites, emails. On many days, I must work on design/advertising projects which finance my personal artistic pursuits. Yoga or jogging, I believe strongly in the link between an open, flexible body and mind. I don’t concentrate well without it on most days. I tend to focus on art work from later afternoon to early evening.
How do you spend a perfect sunday?
Virtually no different than the above, though hopefully, more balance on the personal work, than commercial work.
What is your favourite taste of chocolate?
70% dark.
Show me your favourite artwork (from your own collection or another artist)
Impossible to answer, as it often changes week to week, depending on my mood. Here’s something that strikes me at this moment. I believe the artist is unknown (medieval, Flemish). Alchemy of Love. (if not attached here, let me know).
Whom should we interview next?
Tobie Giddio: this is work that is fashionable, yet totally personal, with no reference to anything remotely trendy or predictable. It elevates beauty to a spiritual plane. It’s more profound than much work that strives to be more serious. I have never even met her, I have no personal stake in this opinion. Or Inca Pan
If you could have coffee with a famous artist – dead or alive – whom would you choose?
Probably Matisse. He was adventurous, inventive, original, without pretention. Beautiful, but not surface-oriented. Intelligent, without being egotistical. Plus, he’d probably serve good pastries with the coffee.
What is your philosophy of life?
Attempt not to grab on to a rock while the river current is urging you to be in constant movement. (very difficult, but worth striving for).