Artist
From South Africa
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa
We couldn't be more excited to interview wonderful Danielle Rovetti on her journey with art, angles to look at it, questions to ask, and things to change, enjoy!
A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you into art?
D: My late father was a secret artist, he was brilliant but only drew for himself. I guess I got my talent from him. He once gave me his sketchbook with all his amazing drawings, this inspired me, but I was young and lost this book which I regret to this day, as I wish I had this piece of him. He passed away 18 years ago before he got a chance to see my work.
Since I was really young I have always been creative, be it drawing, painting, sewing, beading, knitting…I did it all. I studied art at school and then went on to study graphic design. In 2016, after spending 20 years as a graphic designer and creative director in the corporate branding space, I took the decision to end this career and give my dream of being a full-time artist a chance.
This has been my journey and has led me to this amazing new space.
A: What inspires you the most?
D: I am inspired most by texture and the layers of our humanity. Texture, in nature, is made up of all these beautiful layers that form together to give us a surface to touch and see. Just like us humans, we have so many layers that form the parts of us we show to the world and then the parts we keep hidden while some only see our surface. Things are not always what they seem. One should always look deeper and not just accept the initial perception at face value.
A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?
D: I always wear gloves. I tend to get quite messy and it's much easier to just through a pair of gloves away than be scrubbing oil paint and concrete out my hands and nails. I also listen to music and dance a little in between.
A: What would you recommend to someone who's new to art (rather artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?
D: My biggest piece of advice would be to be original, paint from the heart, and go with your own style. To start, experiment, be creative, have fun and try everything, and don’t be afraid to fail or hate what you create. Soon you will find the art you love to make. You will find your style, your uniqueness, and your own stamp.
A: Your top 3 favorite adjectives related to art?
D: Original, creative, emotional.
A: The best angle to look at art is ?
D: From your own perspective.
A: The perfect phrase to start any conversation about art is: ...?
D: "What do YOU see?"
A: Must-read books to talk about art (or do we even need them)?
D: I do think, when studying art, it is important to read and learn about the Old Masters, the different historical styles and movements, and see how they have influenced the artists of today. This, for me, was quite a long time ago so I wouldn’t even be able to name one of the books for you today. I paint from my soul, I don’t like to be influenced by other people's opinions or affected by other artists. I believe art is so personal, and everyone will have a different experience when seeing an artwork, this is something that can’t be written in a book.
A: If you could change one thing in the art world - what would it be?
D: I would change how the world sees women artists and give them equal opportunity, importance, and appreciation in the art world.
A: Please, share your favorite quote (not necessarily related to art):
D: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” - Nelson Mandela
Thank you!
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