Interview with Sharon Volpe
Your work brilliantly externalizes internal human emotions through expressive themes and symbols. Can you elaborate on the philosophy or inspiration that drives this unique approach?
Art to me has always been very emotional . When I sit down to create, I always need a connection to the piece. Whether it is a portrait of Another artist or theme or event I Find interesting, I need an angle that pulls me in. It could also Be an image that Caught my attention or my own photography that helped bring the piece to life through a painting. One specific piece grew from a trip to the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART for the CAMP: Notes on Fashion exhibit. It was through location sketches, photography and visual memory that a new painting was born.
You've studied both graphic design and illustration at prestigious institutions. How do you think your academic background has influenced your artistic style and career?
When I look back on My education, I am Thankful because having other artists to provide feedback and also seeing how artists interpret the same strict assignment, but in very unique ways really pushed me to go even farther into my own work . But most importantly, Education in the arts teaches discipline and repetition, which is so important to become prolific in your craft.
Having your work exhibited in various channels, from galleries to advertising, what have been some of the most rewarding aspects of these experiences?
I felt very honored, a beverage company like Collective Arts chose an artwork of mine to distribute all over the world on their series Good Monster. I would get tagged in images from cafes in Tokyo as well as small cafes in Upstate New York, I felt excited that someone had connected with my style of art in a cheerful yet different way than a print or painting but on a product.
Your artwork has been recognized in numerous illustration competitions. How has participating in events like 3x3 International Illustration Annual and American Illustration impacted your career and visibility as an artist?
Submitting art and having it accepted by not. Just art directors for large companies and publications, but also other illustrators gave me a sense of passing a threshold. I can look back on that specific work and say to myself “this is the level I need to achieve in all of my work.”
With a diverse range of clients like Maybelline NY and Collective Arts Brewery, how do you adapt your artistic vision to meet commercial needs while staying true to your creative essence?
When a client like Maybelline contacts an artist, it is because they have seen your style and it resonates with them, so I follow their lead in what they envision for the campaign. Other companies, like Collective Arts Brewing, have a product that they are beginning to think about putting on the market, so they select the artwork that they think fits to the theme and name of the product. Unlike personal work, my illustrations must satisfy the company objectives. But today more than ever, if a company commissions your work, they tend to choose an artist whose style and overall persona fits with their brand image.
You've mentioned being influenced by a range of artists from Basquiat to Warhol, and contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley. How do these influences manifest in your work?
I am always looking to artists for inspiration. For example, Warhol created many mono prints from his own ink drawings. For a long time, I experimented with this concept with my ink drawings. I saw a lot of growth in my line work. Wiley has always inspired me to go further with my own work by adding original symbols, textures and patterns that give an artwork Its own unique signature.
Your RECENT feature on Art On Link kiosks in NYC is exciting. Could you share the inspiration behind this series and what you hope viewers will take away from it?
The series began back during the pandemic where I spent an enormous amount of time outdoors , in NYC, drawing many spots of interest like Central. Park. The series grew from there to where I illustrated about my neighborhood and my favorite place in NYC where I am allowed to sell my original artworks under the expressive matter law in NYC – Washington Square Park. Link NYC features local artists and they accepted the series. It was exhilarating to pull into subway stations, or walk around, and see the series flashing on the Kiosks.
How do you balance the use of traditional painting techniques with modern digital tools in your creative process?
Well, every day I draw or paint traditionally either in my sketchbook or by just creating small works with ink to keep myself loose. At that point, I will transfer those ideas digitally and or enlarge them and make larger paintings. Digital transforming can allow me to make them into affordable prints, cards and stickers, and even a book. A larger painting would be if I may want to submit to a gallery show.
Looking back on your career so far, what do you consider your most significant accomplishment or a defining moment?
A defining moment for me would be the first time I displayed all my works ranging from digital prints to originals at Bushwick Open Studios. I created a space sectioned off with other artists. It was a full weekend and I had a lot of positive feedback On my work, but it also kept me motivated to keep going as I saw my work evolve but also have a consistency that people connected with on many levels.
Lastly, what advice would you give to young artists who aspire to follow a path similar to yours, especially in the competitive fields of illustration and painting?
Art Is a discipline, It Requires your heart and soul. My advice is keep a strict daily routine of getting up early, exercise, listen to music, draw for two hours, keep your website up to date and continue to push yourself in new directions. Switch materials from time to time and take classes every few years to stay fresh. But most importantly take risks and be prepared To invest in yourself as an artist financially and spiritually.
