Interview
Laura Bernardeschi
Laura Bernardeschi known is a multidisciplinary artist based now in Newcastle upon Tyne after spending 11 years in London and Bristol. Laura is also known as a supporting actress, life model, blogger and photographer. She was not sure of the media to use and started with water colours. But soon she realised that acrylic colours had more vivid colours and immediately she decided to use them on canvas or paper to reproduce flowers, nature and animals or her original abstracts. Laura is originally from Italy so she has always been influenced by the great Italian masters in particular by the light of Caravaggio . During her life in London, thanks to her job as a life model in the best art centres of the capital, she became fascinated by the art of Van Gogh, Picasso , Gustav Klimt , Matisse , the Impressionists and David Hockney. In the last two years, she started to experiment with different styles and different media like reproducing the beauty of the spiritual world. Laura always thinks that art is the best therapy to fight mental issues and find the best light in your heart that allows you to connect with the spiritual world. Laura is a great admirer of Pablo Picasso and for his influence, she thinks that art must always be connected with the social issues of our planet and an artist must leave a message to the world.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I started my career as a painter in 2017. While my work as a life model and actress was busy in the capital, I decided to try my skills in painting to defeat stress, loneliness and anxiety due to an abusive relationship. As a survivor of emotional abuses, I gives voice to my women, most of the time a self-portrait of the artist, ready to fight for their self-respect and success like “a story to tell.” I do not forget the environment and climate change. I create artworks connected to this subject trying to make people think about their mistakes that are bringing our planet to ruin. I am very passionate about my work and in the last three years, I have been selected for national and international art shows.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“It depends on how I feel. Some days, I just feel the inspiration and add colours on the canvas curious to see where my creativity arrives. In other moments, I plan in advance, especially after reading an art book. Great masters as Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso and Van Gogh have inspired me with their artworks and thanks to them I have created canvases that have been successfully selected for art exhibitions in UK and abroad.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“In the last months, I have been fascinated by the impressionist but also by the pop art. I love their colours.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I usually use acrylics colours but lately, I like to try oil pastels, markers and soft pastels on paper When you take part in worldwide art exhibitions, you understand how expensive the shipping costs are. So gradually, I have reduced the measures of my artwork, changing also the perspective and the subject. I like using brushes but I do not mind to use my hands or a knife palette.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Art is freedom. Art is creativity. Art is respect. Art is politics and must be used also to leave a message to our spectators. Art is the best medication for broken hearts and mental issues. Art is my life!”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“My favourite artwork is called Sunset of Northumbria. It is in acrylic colours and I painted it after a trip in Summer 2022 along the cost of this region based in the North East of England. The colours of the sky at 10 pm were still so vivid with that beautiful red, yellow, purple and gold. This artwork shows the beauty of our planet, and my love respect for mother earth.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I recently had an online exhibition in Dresda, “Abstraction” and Circular Art Space, Bristol. I have an upcoming project with Artbox for the Biennale di Venezia in April. The Virtual Exhibition of Abstract Art, in aid of the Alzeheimer society, by the online Artgallery SW with the following paintings and drawings part of the series titled Aliens Nature's Canvas: Exploring the Diversity and Beauty of the Natural World is coming in April Cista Arts with the drawing Spring, in mixed media.”
