“Reflexes / Nigerian woman” 2014, technique: acrylic paint,xerox, on glass.
Briefly describe the work you do.
Through my work I investigate the human being in his spiritual and material reality; what appears and what is; the image and essence; the outside and the inside; the particular (the form) and the universal (spiritual). The artist is a tightrope walker on a rope that divides the world of appearances by the spiritual energy.
Tell us a little about your background and how that influences you as an artist.
The land where I was born (its history) and the environment in which I grew up are my roots. Like a tree I can not do without my roots.
The concept of the “artist studio” has a broad range of meanings, especially in contemporary practice. The idea of the artist toiling away alone in a room may not necessarily reflect what many artists do from day to day anymore. Describe your studio practice and how it differs from (or is the same as) traditional notions of “being in the studio.”
In 2011 I made three events focused on the concept: “artist’s studio” and what I mean by art. I made my site http://www.simonafrillici.com to document the three events. The studio is the place of pure experimentation. It is the place where I can draw on my depth and I can pull out what is unique (myself) and at the same time belongs to the universal. When I’m about to do an exhibition or I have to do the project for a new installation (also in a place very far) only in my studio I can shed light inside me and I can imagine the future exhibition or installation. This is a first draft which subsequently must mature interiorly in every moment of everyday, until it reaches its final form.
“Angels”, San Matteo Church, Perugia, 2014
mt3x3, technique: xerox,old paintings wrapped in transparent paper
What unique roles do you see yourself as the artist playing that you may not have envisioned yourself in when you first started making art?
I do not think that the artist plays a role. The artist is. The changes are an evolution of being.
When do you find is the best time of day to make art? Do you have time set aside every day, every week or do you just work whenever you can?
The best time to work in the studio is in the morning. I force myself to go in the studio every day, every morning. I think it is necessary the daily act that becomes ritual.
“Reflexes”, 2014, cm155x76,5,technique: acrylic paint,xerox,plexiglass,bubble wrap,cardboard
How has your work changed in the last five years? How is it the same?
The fundamental change is that I am much more aware of what I do in my work. The artist follows a path; there are those who see clearly from the beginning; there are those who need more time. External changes are: the use of new media, for example, the video; the growing interest in the virtual world and social network.
Are there people such as family, friends, writers, philosophers or even pop icons that have had an impact on the work you do?
The first time I went to visit the museum of Alberto Burri in Città Di Castello (Italy) I was struck.
If you had an occupation outside of being an artist, what would that be and why?
An artist can hardly have another occupation (although it is not impossible) because to follow his own inner path requires a continuous concentration on themselves.
About
SIMONA FRILLICI (1966, Italy). After High School she graduated in painting at The Academy of Fine Arts in Perugia. In 1988 she was chosen to represent the Chair of Painting at the Art Expo in Bari, Italy.
All images copyright of the artist and used with their permission.
365 Artists | 365 Days 