Art Space Talk: Francesco Ruspoli

I recently interviewed artist Francesco Ruspoli. Mr. Ruspoli has presented his works in Salons and galleries at Cannes, Deauville, Lyon, Paris, London, Barcelona, Glasgow and many other international cities. He has been the recipient of a number of important prizes, such as the Eugene Fromentin Award.

In 1986, Francesco was chosen to submit two works for the highly competitive Autumn Salon at the Grand Palais in Paris. He was then offered a two year contract of representation by the Atlante Gallery, and then was approached by the Phoenix Gallery in Lavenham, which brought him to England, where he presented his first one man show.

In England, Francesco discovered a new way with the Scottish School of expressionism, which lead him to turn slowly towards abstraction, still keeping a figurative touch to his work on many occasions.

In 1993 Francesco also turned to the Performing Arts, and has executed costume and set design for a number of theatre productions. Francesco's work may also be found in private collections in London, Paris, Tel-Aviv, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Glasgow, Deauville, Cannes, Nice, Lille, Lyon and New York.

Q. When did you first discover that art would be an important part of your adult life?

A. "When I left my job in advertising to be a full time artist. It was my dream when I was working for different companies in advertising and marketing to be a full time artist one day. I was painting weekend and during my spare time and really wanted to do it all the time. I think being an artist is commitment to your work and especially to yourself which mean having the confidence and the energy to produce the work and then to promote it to viewers. Art is to be shared with others, I believe."

Q. How has society influenced your art? Are there any social implications in your art?

A. "I think we are all influenced directly and indirectly by society and it’s many little branches. Part of my work is about the environment as society create it. Interaction from one human being to another without consideration to the class system as subjects of my work but as well as viewers."

Q. On average, how long does it take you to create a piece?

A. "It is a slow process . I have after several research created an idea for a new series which from drawing on paper will be transferred on canvas and then reworked and painted as the same time. So it could take weeks, months even one year."

Q. Has your art ever been published?

A. "In 2005 I have started to work with other companies as combining my work with their products such as rugs, blinds, tills...So my art is not published in books but is available on windows, bathrooms, floors,etc..."

Q. What was your most important exhibition? Care to share that experience?

A. "My most important after the first one ever in my life when I was 20 years old (a group show) was the TAHITI project. I was selected and sponsored by Tahiti Tourism and Air New Zeeland to follow Paul Gauguin footsteps (French painter 20th century) as it was his 100 years anniversary. So after having 5 weeks to Tahiti etc... I had this big one man show at the Churchill Intercontinental Hotel in Central London covered by The Observer magazine. I felt “this is it!”.............. "

Q. Do you have any 'studio rituals'? As in, do you listen to certain types of music while working? What helps to get you in the mood for working?

A. "I listen to radio 4 all the time because they have good programs and it is company. Being an artist is very lonely, working always on your on. It is nice to hear other people voices."

Q. If you could pinpoint the characteristics of people who collect your art, what would they be?

A. "They are all sort of people, from collectors to the one off buyer."

Q. Discuss one of your pieces. (Let me know which one you are talking about."What were you thinking when you created it?

A. "I work through series, so one piece is related to many others as based on the same subject. For example the ANGELIC series. It was crated when I was by the sea one day and was watching the water retreating on the sand and was creating all these shapes which I have transfer through my brain on canvas.You can have a look at my web site on the Angelic section (www.francesco-ruspoli.com)"

Q. Do you have a degree or do you plan to attend school for art? If so, how did it help you as an artist? What can you tell us about the art department that you attended?

A. "I have a degree in art from Central St Martin but in set and costume design. I always have been a self taught artist otherwise."

Q. Why did you choose the medium(s) that you use?

A. "I like oil because I can create colours and rework with them on and on."

Q.Where can we see more of your art?

A. "On my site or with my agent Mark Tattersall in London."

Q. Are you represented by a gallery? Do you have any upcoming exhibits?
A. "I have an agent and with him I would have works at the AAF fair in Battersea in the spring 2007 + a one man show on the Strand for Motor Neuron Disease as a percentage on sales go the charity."

Q. What galleries have you exhibited in? Can you provide links to their sites?

A. "Some of the galleries don’t exist anymore. I would try my agent on : www.marktattersall.co.uk or I have another agent on : www.artlands.com"

Q. What trends do you see in the 'art world'?

A. "Coming back to the real stuff as paint on canvas."

Q. Any tips for emerging artists?

A. "Believe in you to start with and be flexible."

Q. In one sentence... why do you create art?

A. "Because it is part of me and I have to do it like an addiction I suppose."

Q. What can you tell our readers about the art scene in your area?

A. "I am in London so I would say : any more to say???????"

Q. Is there anything else you would like to say about your art or the 'art world'?

A. "I believe I am an avant gardist . I am an old fashion artist carry on with my work and ignoring the different trends. I believe in my work and it does not matter if when alive I am sold . It will be very big one day..............."

I hope that you have enjoyed my interview with Francesco Ruspoli. Feel free to critique or discuss his work.

Take care, Stay true,

Brian Sherwin