Valeria Cornelio: art inspired by nature to convey lightness

Valeria, have you always thought of being an artist? When and how was this passion born?

I've been drawing since the age of 6 and I've actually never stopped telling myself stories with a pencil or a brush or a needle and thread.

I learned the basics at art high school and then, over the years and despite doing something completely different in life, I have always experimented on canvas, paper, tissue paper and fabric.

What techniques and materials do you use for your works? Who or what do you draw inspiration from?

The techniques I use for my works can only be called mixed. I move from full and saturated colors mixed with sands with additions of wool, cotton and silk threads to almost impalpable works on transparent gauze.

I draw inspiration from nature which fascinates me for the richness of the ideas it offers: from the vital and material beauty of the bark to the flocks of birds to the blades of grass...

The support, or canvas, changes depending on the narrative. In this period, for example, I work on transparent gauze, to ensure that what is represented remains suspended in the void and can thus dialogue with the background.

Lightness is central to your work. Do you think that your creations also have a light impact from an environmental point of view?

All my works, but especially the latest ones, are centered on lightness. A lightness that comes partly from the materials used such as gauze and organza combined with wool, silk and cotton threads. And partly by the subjects that appear as abstract poetic landscapes.

Let's say that all the work I produce has little environmental impact, indeed one can say that by ceasing to be paintings they could become clothes, scarves, shirts...

ZamaLabz is a showcase that seeks to enhance the value of unique pieces. What do you think of this philosophy? Who or what are your unique pieces designed for?

Precisely by their nature, my works are all unique pieces, each with its own story to tell and each waiting for someone to listen to it.

Who or what is my work aimed at? I think of these heavy times from all points of view. Here I believe that my creations bring lightness. Let us try, somehow, to lift ourselves a little off the ground in a place where there is no gravity.

What does Valeria Cornelio like and dislike?

I like contemporary art, the sea, birds, bees. All of nature, the Po Delta, Urbino, Piero della Francesca, Rino Gaetano, Middle Eastern music, Istanbul, Palermo and Havana which for me are a bit similar.

I don't like narcissistic males and fascist women. But I also hate martyrs. I hate crowds, parties, weddings and lunches with lots of people. And I don't like moths. Absolutely not.

Photos taken by Paolo Tognoni.