Olimpia Zagnoli is a 23-year-old illustrator in Milan. Her website says she likes pirates and peanuts, but we wanted to know more about this charming artist on the rise. Here, she talks to us about her passions.
Bene: We hear you've had a crush on Picasso when you were four. How did you first see his work?
Olimpia: As a little girl I attended a day-care center called Pablo Picasso, which was full of his work. What I like the most about Picasso is that despite his great technique, his work was spontaneous and innovative. His creative power is expressed in everything he did, including his private life.
What's your favorite of Picasso's work?
Obviously I love the majority of his work, but I'm most inspired by his sketches. "Personal" drawings, complete with notes and color drafts, are what make the artist less heroic and more "human."
What do you most like to draw?
Bottles and glasses. I'm not sure why, but every time I pick up a pencil, that's the first thing that I happen to draw.
More from Olimpia after the jump...
Where do you draw?
At home, sitting on my bed. I like drawing when nobody's home, or at night when everyone's asleep.
Do you think Milan is a good place for a young artist to live?
I love Milan. It has a reputation for being a cold and unpleasant city, but it can also be a very welcoming, generous place. Of course, Milan is a creative center when it comes to fashion and parties, and, on a smaller scale, art and illustration. If I had to live elsewhere, I'd love to live in Barcelona, but my first choice is New York.
What inspires you?
Everyday scenes--whatever I see when I'm riding my scooter, or on a train or subway. Even the supermarket is a great place to find inspiration (from corn-flakes boxes to cashiers). Artistically, I'm very influenced by illustrators of children's books from the 50's, 60's and 70's, and graphic artists such as Saul Bass or Bruno Munari.
Which contemporary Italian artists do you like?
My mom, Emanuela Ligabue. That sounds so Italian, but it's true. When it comes to illustrators, I really like Guido Scarabottolo, and, among the youngsters, I love Annalaura Cantone, who was one of my teachers.
What do you aspire to create?
I want to produce a synthesis of essential graphic art and childish smoothness.
Do you think your illustrations look "Italian"?
Yes. Everything I create comes from what I see around me--from childhood memories, the flavors and scents that surround me in Italy. There's always a bit of "Italianity" in everything I do.
Do you have a job other than illustration?
No. I am focusing on illustration full-time. I'd also like to work in a children's bookstore, like Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail, but unfortunately there aren't many here in Milan.
Can you give us a slice of your daily life in Milan?
I still live with my mother (typically Italian!), but I'm trying to move to my own flat as soon as possible. I share my room with my little sister. The building I live in faces a park, and in the playground, there's a giant xylophone. My boyfriend lives in a town close to Milan. He's funny and a photographer. My grandmother makes the best tortellini in the world!
