Welcome to a journey into the creative soul of Veronica Lovati, where strokes of color intertwine with the breath of life. In this interview, we will unveil the secrets of an artistic journey infused with passion and a mind that dances among the shades of inspiration. From Milan to the hills, from artistic studies to the paths of the Camino de Santiago, Veronica will guide us through the landscapes of her life, revealing how art has become the muse that redefined her destiny. Through the visual language of her works, we will explore the free and wild feminine, nature embracing the sky, and the ceaseless pursuit of beauty and meaning. An immersion into an enchanted universe where each brushstroke tells a story and every color reflects an emotion. Are you ready to be inspired?

Tell me about your background, your life journey, and especially what led art into your life.

I was born and raised in Milan, and a few months ago, I left the plains to live in a house on a hill, a tiny village surrounded by nature, where I'm also setting up a new studio. I always knew I wanted to be a painter. I pursued artistic studies, first at the Art Institute and then in painting at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. After completing my academic career, I took on various jobs, deviating a bit from my artistic path. In the early 2000s, I started painting again, and in 2004, I quit a steady job unrelated to me, embarking on the Camino de Santiago. Since then, I decided to take control of my life and dedicate myself to art. I began exhibiting, gradually set up my studio, and moved forward. I've worked a lot on myself to reach my poetic and personal style.

What inspires your works?

My work delves into the feminine; for a period, I focused on ancestors—ancestors of my family and all women who came before me. There's a feminine world that, for centuries, had no voice and was ignored (however, I want to clarify that I don't consider myself a feminist). Now, I feel I've honored them enough; this move is bringing a change in my art. I can't speak about it eloquently yet because I haven't fully focused; I'm still processing. Unfortunately, in these months, I've worked little due to the move and ongoing renovations. It's as if, after dedicating much of my art to women of the past, I can finally focus on myself, on a new me. Inspiration comes from various sources: a poem, my experiences, a song, something I've read—anything resonating within me that I want to give an image to. Here on the hill, I often gaze at the sky; I'd like to incorporate it into my upcoming works; we'll see...

Why don't your figures have faces?

They don't have faces because they don't represent a specific woman but all women. Women dressed in red and often with disheveled hair—wild women.

What is the creative process behind your work?

As I mentioned, inspiration can come from various fronts. I sketch a lot; I have pages and pages of notebooks filled with drawings. Some take the lead and become works of art. The painting on canvas phase comes after a period of internalizing what I want to convey, researching images and various drawings. In recent months, I've created small oil paintings on canvas due to the move. Usually, I paint on larger formats.

What is the relationship between your art and your personal emotions?

There is no boundary between the two. Personally, I need to be well to work. I don't subscribe to the idea that one paints only when feeling unwell; our demons and discomforts need to be processed, not "thrown" onto those looking at our work. My well-being mainly comes from contact with nature.

What do you think is the current role of art?

Art is part of each of our lives, perhaps in varying doses and proportions. What's lacking is more of an education in art. This leads many to create barriers, saying, "I don't understand; I'm not an expert." I find this absurd; all it takes is observing and trying to resonate with what you see, listening to what the images tell you. There are studies showing how art can positively influence our mental, emotional, and physical health. Not only creating art, but even visiting a museum can be beneficial. It's about becoming aware and seeking what makes us feel good. Giving value to our lives, a value not understood from an economic point of view.

A significant song for you?

The most difficult question!!! There are many, and they change depending on the phase of life I'm in. I would say that, at the moment, it's "Gracias a la Vida" by Mercedes Sosa.

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