Vanessa Ferriggi

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I primarily work with acrylics, from flow paints to heavily bodied giving glorious texture. Being quite experimental with my mediums, I also use graphite pencil, spray paint, impasto and oil sticks, to give added texture or sheen in areas. I love the variety of using different mediums and the effects they create, plus the qualities they bring to a painting. I use professional grade materials and canvasses to provide longevity and colour fastness.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

My art begins as more of a feeling, a message I want to convey. The feeling builds within me through seeking inspiration and deep introspection. From there I choose colours and make swatches by mixing colours, so I have a colour template to begin with that I enjoy. Sometimes I will do a meditation prior to painting, which eases me into my creative space. Music helps the joyfulness too. From there I begin, not knowing what I'm going to paint, I always start very abstractly. At some point the flowers appear, soft and bold with vigorous movements. There are layers, detail and finally mark making completes the piece.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

My studio is at my home, but a separate space. It's a beautifully immersive space where I can welcome visitors to the studio, plus room to spread out my larger artworks. It overlooks the garden and filled with flowers, colour swatches and a comfy couch.