Carlotta
Pompei
1. Welcome Carlotta to The Influx Gallery family. Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from?
Thank you, Jack. It is an honour to be part of the Influx Gallery. I was born in 1996, a fraternal twin, in the beautiful city of Paris, France, to Italian parents. From a young age, I was immersed in both French and Italian, learning to speak them naturally. Childhood travels have deeply influenced my upbringing, as my parents have provided us with the incredible fortune of experiencing life-enriching adventures around the world. I have always found myself drawn to the world of art; paintings, sculptures, literature, music, film, and photography. These forms of artistic expression have offered a means to explore the depths of human emotion and imagination. In 2006, my family moved from Paris to London, UK. I adored the city for its art galleries, museums, and stunning architecture, but it was the London parks that truly captured my heart. Today, nestled in Hertfordshire's charming English countryside, Rickmansworth is the place I call home. Here, my partner and I share a love for travel, immersing ourselves in new cultures, local experiences, and creating lasting memories together.
2. Were your family supportive of you deciding to become a photographic artist?
Yes, I am grateful that, from the beginning, my family wholeheartedly acknowledged the spark of creativity within me and fully embraced my journey as an artist. Their support and belief in my artistic aspirations have been a source of inspiration and motivation.
3. Was there anything specific that you can remember that made you want to become an artist?
The artistic environment fostered by my father deeply influenced my decision to pursue a career as an artist. While he may not have been a traditional artist, his role as the director of a footwear atelier manufacturer for international films and theatres showcased his creativity and craftsmanship. His passion and dedication inspired me to follow my own artistic path and bring my own visions to fruition. The alluring nature of art truly ignited my creative endeavours.
4. Did your schooling or work affect your creative development in any way?
Recognising the importance of my schooling in my development, I must highlight that my creative journey has been largely guided by my personal passion, compelling me to channel my emotions and experiences into artistic creations.
5. When did you first discover photography?
I first discovered photography through my early immersion in the art form, delving into black & white photographs from my parents' personal collection. They shared a wealth of old photographs, unveiling glimpses of their childhood, travels, and moments together. The depth of visual stories intrigued me, shaping my path as a photographer.
6. Can you tell us a little about your favourite exposure style?
My preferred approach to exposure involves accentuating the contrasts between light and shadow. I try to produce photographs that possess a dramatic and engaging quality, capturing the viewer's imagination and evoking a range of sentiments.
7. We love how your usage of light shapes your captivating photography?
What is your favourite subject matter?
Details. I find beauty in the small nuances and intricate elements that often go unnoticed, from the delicate curves of a flower petal to the texture of weathered architecture. Exploring these intricacies allows me to convey a sense of wonder in my images.
8. Could you tell us a bit about your love of the arts as inherited from your parents?
My profound love for the arts stems from the nurturing upbringing my parents provided. My father's successful career exposed me to the artistry behind the scenes, witnessing the craftsmanship and the attention to detail required to bring stories to life. Meanwhile, my mother's devotion to immersing me in art galleries, plays, and films deepened my understanding of the power of artistic expression. Together, their influence continues to shape my artistic journey.
9. Where do you get your inspiration and influences from?
Travel inspires my artistic vision and expands my perspective. The colours, landscapes, and architecture I encounter mould my artistic choices. Interacting with local communities also has an impact on my creative process. These experiences fill me with cultural appreciation and a connection to the world.
10. Do you have any tips for any inspiring digital artist/photographer who is using software, or picking up a camera for the first time?
Embrace the allure of imperfection. Instead of relentlessly pursuing flawlessness, allow yourself to find beauty in the unexpected and the flawed. I would focus on exploring your creativity, experimenting with different techniques, and capturing moments that resonate with you personally. I believe this can and will create captivating and authentic work.
11. You describe your photography as the immortalisation of moments. Can you elaborate upon this beautiful premise?
In my photography, I am dedicated to capturing and preserving both the beauty and significance of passing moments. Through composition, I strive to convey the emotions, stories, and atmospheres that enrich these fleeting instances with uniqueness and personal resonance. My photography simply contributes to the vast array of visual records that encapsulate the essence of our ever-evolving world.