What is the best thing that I love about my work? The possibility to make the viewer feel something new and build a straight connection with him.
What is my idea of happiness? A state of independence, impermanence, and continuous personal growth.
What is my greatest fear? Post-mortem oblivion.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Envy.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? There’s a long list of artists that I deeply admire, among all of them there’s my former teacher Carlo Fusca: a great artist and an incredibly wise man.
What is my greatest extravagance? I have many, but I would say that the greatest one is the secret obsession with the color purple, which I repress to such an extent that I avoid using it in everything I do, paint, or buy, as I fear it might be linked to an unconscious attraction for the occult, to which I don’t want to surrender.
On what occasion would I lie? In order to avoid embarrassing situations.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Its precariousness.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? It happens every time I exhibit my works, and I’m able to meet people who are genuinely curious and interested in my poetics. I remember each
exhibition as “the best days of my life”.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I would leave my comfort zone more often.
What is my greatest achievement in work? Being able to interview great artists, and sell my own paintings.
Where would I most like to live? A place with both sea and forests.
What is my most treasured possession? My brushes.
What is my most marked characteristic? Frankness.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? My terrace.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? Nowhere in particular.
What books influenced my life and how? First there was “The picture of Dorian Gray” which invited me to embrace the cult of beauty even more, along with a hedonistic lifestyle. Then a few
years later there was “The book of joy” which taught me to destroy everything I had learned and be more sensitive.
What music would I listen on my last day? Possibly nothing melancholy.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Any woman with a strong personality.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? All those who live doing what they love.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? I recently saw “12 Years a Slave”, I would recommend it.
What role plays art in my life and work? I think of Art as a sacred thing. It is my greatest love and investment, both in life and in work.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me? I firmly believe that, and it makes me want to try even harder to do my best and achieve my goals.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My boyfriend Daniele, my best model, supporter, adviser and colleague.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020? I would certainly like to work with several galleries around the world, such as the BeinArt Gallery, or the Artevistas Gallery.
Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my creative career would i love to meet in 2020? I would love to confront some of the artists I admire, like Megan Doherty,
Laetitia Ky, Golsa Golchini, or Elena Pancorbo, only to have a constructive exchange of ideas and experiences. What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on? I have a lot of stuff on my mind, but I can’t wait to bring forward my pictorial series about Greek gods, some other smaller projects and take part in a few prizes.
Where can you see me or my work in 2020? On my instagram account @ilaria.potenza or on my facebook page Ilaria Potenza – Arte.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Whatever the future holds for me, I will never have to worry about being “too old” to paint, unless I go completely blind.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Five amazing women:
Serena Brattoli (illustrator),
Mariantonietta Palasciano (printmaker – asemic writer),
Valentina De Carolis (designer),
Pauline Primat (seamstress),
Lorella Furleo Semeraro (photographer).
How can you contact me? On social media or my mail potenzailaria@gmail.com