Artist in conversation: Tiziana Rinna
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
My passion for fashion is what first inspired me to become an artist. I was obsessed with learning the history of costume and fashion design, and my dream was to become a fashion designer. I started by illustrating and sketching all kinds of costumes and the latest fashion collections, perfecting model poses. Over time, I developed an interest in portraits and eventually abstract painting. My love for art continues to grow as I explore different styles, although gold leaf is one of my favorite elements to incorporate, whether in a portrait, landscape, or abstract piece.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
Yes, I do. In my studio, before starting a new painting or project, I love to clean and organize my space. I also have an inspiration wall where I pin all kinds of objects and color samples to create a vision for the piece. Music plays a huge part in setting the mood, so I always search for the perfect playlist to get me inspired.
You began your artistic journey in Italy, a country with a rich history in the arts. How has your Italian heritage influenced your work and artistic perspective?
Living in Italy, especially in a city like Rome where you live and breathe history and art, it’s impossible not to be inspired. Everywhere you look, there’s beauty and history, and it becomes a love affair with art that surrounds you.
Studying at the Instituto di Alta Moda and working under fashion icons like Valentino, Giorgio Armani, and Gianfranco Ferré must have been incredibly formative. Can you share some memorable experiences from this time and how they shaped your artistic approach?
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?**
Balancing feedback is never easy. As an artist, you express yourself through your work, and not every viewer will connect with it in the same way—that’s perfectly okay. Personally, I listen to feedback but focus on staying true to my artistic intuition. Art is subjective, and the artist’s voice should always be at the forefront.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I stay motivated by juggling different projects throughout the year. Setbacks are a natural part of life, but I use them as an opportunity to focus even more on moving forward. Keeping myself busy and constantly creating helps me overcome any challenges.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I’m very excited to be part of this exhibition, and I’m especially looking forward to attending the opening night with my family.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My goal as an artist is to continue this journey with the same passion that I started with, and to evoke emotions and reactions from my audience through my work. I want to keep pushing boundaries and connecting with people through my art.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Emotion plays a central role in everything I create. The feeling I have at the start of each painting is always a mix of excitement and fear. My goal is to encapsulate those emotions and communicate them to the viewer through the piece, drawing them in and inviting them to feel something personal.