Inspired People – Ivana Pinaffo

Artists are inspired people. But what makes them create what they create? What lights the fire that produces such wonderful work? Here are a few questions that will hopefully inspire some answers.

I’m excited to post this, the first of the return of this series. And we have a fantastic inspired person under the spotlight – Ivana Pinaffo, an artist of stunning talent with a love of colour that draws me in like a moth to a flame. Her work is vibrant and beautiful across a plethora of subjects. I’m really happy to have her here today. Thankyou for sharing your inspirations, Ivana!

Spring field by Ivana Pinaffo

The Artist

Who are you? What factors in your life have led you to create? Was it an epiphany moment or something that has always been?

My name is Ivana Pinaffo. I was born in North Africa and in 1970 migrated to Australia (Melbourne) with my family. We also lived in Malta where I studied English. These three countries have collided to represent my talent on canvas.

My artistic background started at a very young age when I would spend my pocket money purchasing art material and the encouragement received by my family was great.

Rainy day in Rome by Ivana Pinaffo

Were you ever distracted away from your art and creating by the need to make a living? Have you ever stopped creating?

I stopped creating when I arrived in Australia due to the fact that I had to work to start a new life in a foreign country. This was followed by getting married and starting a family.  I resumed dabbling with art after my daughters got married.  The urge to search in my creative being was strong and determined to try again.

 

The Art

What do you create? Do you have a niche or do you spread your creativity across several disciplines? Do you have a preferred subject?

I paint all manner of subject matter with a focus to the core of the essence being; the form, colour and texture. The bright colours are my style and I enjoy portraying them in a pleasant way. I use basic primary colours to create 3D imagery that pushes the opportunity of textures to its boundaries. Any subject is my favourite as everything gives me the challenge to explore and to test my creativity.

 

The musicians by Ivana Pinaffo (available for sale)

How often do you create? Do you procrastinate? How do you balance the things that have to be done versus the things you want to do?

I would love to be in my studio 24/7 but the daily commitments of life sometime squash my desire to do so. The best that I can do daily is to go in my studio even for just looking at books, photos and art material to inspire me in my next task.

When I have a free day and my creating flow is active my studio is there waiting for me. This place is where time stops and all else ceases to exist. When I am painting this place becomes my entire universe. It is a sacred and treasured place that I find myself needing to connect with time and time again.

My grandson by Ivana Pinaffo	Melbourne alleyway by Ivana Pinaffo (available for sale)

 

Do you have any advice for other artists?

My advice to other artists is to believe in oneself, practise and persevere. Never be afraid of failures which in return teach us to improve.

I have exhibited at numerous art shows and have received many awards that are all still equally memorable. Of course I always aspire to receive more.

I am a member of  Hobson’s Bay Arts Society and my work can be viewed at  www.redbubble.com/people/ivanapinaffo1

I will be exhibiting my work from the 25th of June to the 5th of August 2012 at the Gift Givers Gallery, 54 Watton Street, Werribee Victoria. All the art work will be for sale.

 

Carnevale in Venice by Ivana Pinaffo (available for sale)