Here at Slowdown Studio we love collaborating with emerging and established artists from across the globe. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Lucia Calfapietra, the artist behind the new Spaghetti Sundays Art Print. Lucia's work is rooted in the textures and colours of old printed ephemera children's books, cheap packaging, things that feel handmade even when they're not. Food is a recurring subject: for her, cooking and eating together is where connections get made and stories start.
Who do you think is the most exciting emerging creative in your city? (can be music, art, anything)
I recently went to a concert without knowing who was going to play , and I had so much fun!
The band was Las Grimas, a girls punk band from Marseille!
Where are your favourite places to go in your city?
I love to go by the sea whenever I get the chance! The simple fact of looking at water calms me, and my baby loves to play with sand! (and eating some)
If I am having a coffee with friends, I’ll go to the Cours Julien neighbourhood: fun, vibrant and colorful.
I also love to go to Mucem, the Mediterranean museum just near the sea. A great view, nice exhibitions, and a rooftop garden!
What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself when you were starting out in art?
Don’t overthink everything and don’t take yourself too seriously! Things will work out!
What are you listening to in your studio at the moment?
I like to listen to Yellow Cherry jam live music on Youtube. It’s lo-fi music played by actual humans and helps me get in the zone.
What inspired your design for this latest print design?
My illustration is inspired by week 59 photo of stillherestilllife’s challenge.
During lockdown their still-life photo inspirations helped me (and a lot of other creatives) to not get lost in thoughts, actually make stuff and also get it into the world!
I produced several prints inspired by their prompts and I am really attached to them!
What's your favorite way to slow down?
I like to cook, even if I can’t really follow a recipe.
In fact I like the concentration that some improvising in the kitchen demands, it helps me to disconnect from the rest.
Of course, my creations aren’t always successful (especially with my little one) but generally edible ;)
What's the most memorable book you've read in the last few years?
I did read a lot while I was pregnant (a little less now) , but a book (actually, a series) that stayed with me is “Jalna”, a family saga set in Ontario.
I love following characters in time as they develop, change and grow up (or not). I also enjoyed the descriptions of nature in rural Canada as if it was a character of the novels too.
What has been the happiest/most rewarding moment of your art career?
I love to chat with kids about my work during a workshop or a presentation. I am always curious to see how they perceive it.
This year I had a nomad exhibition in several children's public libraries where I also got to design some wooden games inspired by my work.
It was really exciting to witness children literally playing with my illustrations, and I got to bring my baby along as well!
How does living in your city influence your work? Is there anything about your city that has defined how or what you create?
I can really see how moving by the Mediterranean sea has brought light and colour to my work and my mind.
I love all the mixed influences that make this city unique.
Also, in the last few years a lot of artists have arrived in the area, things are moving fast and there is a lot of inspiration around!
What are you most excited/looking forward to this year?
I hope to get some time to develop a children's book by myself, I think it would be so cool!
Instagram: @luciacalfapietra
Website: https://luciacalfapietra.com
