CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
SP: I take photos of landscapes. I like to define my work as a little personal atlas because I like to map
the places I’ve been to, not with an objective view but with my eyes.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
SP: It comes from everything: a book, a movie, a feeling that I want to understand, a place that I’d like
to discover.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new
project/ piece of artwork?
SP: I usually start with a place/situation that takes my attention, then I begin to study something about it
and, in the end, I drop my self into the situation.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
SP: I’d love for people to understand which story I am showing and not only “oh what a wonderful
landscape!”.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
SP: Nothing strange or extraordinary. I have two jobs, one is photography and the other one is working in a
contemporary art gallery.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan
guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
SP: Half and half. You have to study if you want to be an artist, but at the same time you have to let
yourself go, you can’t control everything.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
SP: That is totally normal to be moody, with ups and downs everyday and every hour.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
SP: Yes, sure.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
SP: Making something new and interesting each time.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
SP: When everything is fine, and you create something that is yours in the very meaning of the word.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
SP: Ghirri, Magritte, De Chirico, Penone.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
SP: Sure it is useful. Thanks to social media you can show your work to a very big audience. At the
same time you have to control yourself, because if you don’t get 10 thousand likes, it doesn’t mean
that your work is bad.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t
follow creative paths?
SP: Yes I do, but it doesn’t mean that it is better.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
SP: I love traveling! I prefer natural landscapes, but I loved Chicago so much.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
SP: I like Stefan Zweig so much! Irvine Welsh and Alan Bennett.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
SP: Being able to live thanks to them.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
SP: Trying to express my self through photography.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
SP: Blackbird by The Beatles
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
SP: Hopefully dreamy.
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