IN THE STUDIO WITH VISUAL ARTIST OPHELIA JACARINI
Ophelia Jacarini is a Hong Kong based French visual artist who expresses herself through painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and fashion design. Her work aims to explore all aspects of humanity from the physical body to the inner workings of the mind and soul, and the results are vibrant pieces that show movement and emotion through bright pigments and flowing linework. Ophelia recently took the time to chat with us and tell us about her artistic journey.
Hi Ophelia, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Hong Kong?
I grew up in Detroit, then Paris. I travelled the world and was drawn to Asia, this is why I decided to base myself in Hong Kong. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and try things I had never done before. Creativity needs space, right?
At what point in your life did you know that art was your true calling?
To be honest, I can’t remember a time when I was not doing some sort of art. I started dance classes at 3 years old and have been drawing all my life, so I always had a way to express myself by dancing or paintings. In a way, I always knew that a classic office job was not made for me. Creativity and freedom are so important in my everyday life, I remember when I was really young, probably 6 or 7 years old, my family woke me up very early one morning to take a plane and go on holiday. I realised that even though it was earlier than the school wake up time, it was easier to wake up because I was happy to go away. Since this time, I knew I would work in something I loved.
You started out working in the fashion industry for well-known names like Princesse Tam Tam and John Galliano. What did you learn from those experiences?
Working in the Paris fashion industry was a wonderful experience. At Galliano’s I had no limits in my creativity which is basically the dream for a creative person. I discovered some techniques of embroidery and haute couture that I still use in my career as an artist. In some of my artworks, you can find fabrics, and embroideries.
What made you decide to leave the fashion industry and concentrate on visual art?
If something isn’t working, change it. I had an office job because like everyone I had to pay my rent. I enjoyed this job but some days I would be walking to the office with so much inspiration for my own projects that it made me want to run back to mine a paint all day. We can call this… frustration. Learning to admit when something isn’t working can be a hard thing, but the reality is that not everything you embark upon in your career is going to be successful.
Since leaving my job to work on my art full time I’ve realised the joy of looking forward to and being excited by what I do.
How would you describe your artistic style?
I am very much into minimalism, white is a major colour in my paintings, most of the time the canvas is half paint, it makes the painting breath. I don’t feel comfortable when the paper of the canvas is fully covered by paint. I sometimes use only one colour per painting or one material per sculpture/installation.
Much of your work explores the human body as well as the subconscious mind. Can you tell us a bit about that?
Such as my fashion background, my dance experiences are always inspiring me. I focused on the shape of the body until I realised that humans were more than just a body, and started to think about everything related to it. 6 years ago, I asked myself what could we remember of our life as a fetus, from there I read a lot about psychoanalysis and learned more about the subconscious, which was truly interesting. But to be honest, it took me more than 3 years to actually create my ‘Subconscious’ series. Now I am doing some research on how art can treat the public. For me, art is about feelings, for this series I want people to feel relaxed just by looking at my artwork.
What is a typical day like for you?
The only routine I have is my everyday yoga practice. Otherwise, all my days and weeks are different. From meetings with galleries to work on my next show or looking for material to create with. In case you think that being an artist might be less work than being an employee, it’s not. More enjoyable? For me yes, but less work no!
Do you have any advice for other aspiring artists who want to make a career out of their passion?
Remember to dream, don’t be afraid of life, and most important, believe in yourself.
We love to shine the spotlight on inspiring artists like yourself. Can you tell us about another female creative entrepreneur who inspires you and why?
My first instinct is to answer, Louise Bourgeois. I admire her works and the fact that she used her personal life and trauma to create is very impressive for me.
Check out Ophelia Jacarini’s work and please show your support!
www.ophelia-jacarini.com
www.instagram.com/jacariniophelia
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