Lilli Feronti is a youth artist, writer, and budding activist. She is currently 14 years of age and resides in the quaint Cape Cod, Massachusetts, though she hopes to study abroad as she grows up. She is passionate about her art, and as she grows, she hopes to better her style and explore new means of creating!
Interview by Sierra Turner
Let’s just start off with introductions, your name, age and where you are from.
My name is Lilli, I’m a 14 year old artist based in beautiful Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in the United States!
So when did you first get into art?
I’ve really always been into art! My earliest memory of art comes from 12 years ago. I can remember scribbling in yellow color pencil all over construction paper, putting some glitter on it, and my family framing it. I'm proud to say I've come a lot farther since then! Art has always been a huge passion of mine, and I really can't imagine a time of my life without it.
I noticed you use a lot of different mediums in your art, do you have a personal favorite?
Lilli: I'm so glad you noticed! I think my favorite is watercolor and ink. it's just so classic, and it really calms me. I love all the fun things you can do with it! Lately though I've been getting really into oil pastel and collages and spend most of my time with that.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in art in the future?
I've been thinking about that a lot!! A career in art would be an absolute dream. I do feel though, I'd much rather focus on something else for my main career, and do art on the side. I'm really serious about it, but I'd much rather use my creative energy on things I enjoy making, rather than use it up on commissions. I'll have to see where life takes me!!
What is your mindset when creating art? What inspires you?
I'm always focused half on inspiration, and the other half on improvement. I left the practice the skill I need improvement on for a few minutes, then spend the majority of my art time creating collages, paintings, drawings, etc. my inspiration really comes from anything! I could be reading a book, walking outside, or listening to a song, and immediately get the urge to make some art.
How would you describe your style?
It depends on what I'm making really, but it's a mix of abstract and realistic! I'm definitely not aiming for photo-realistic, since I think there's plenty of art like that, and really just embracing my style and appreciating what I make!
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Again I really just have to see where life takes me, but I hope to be studying law / political science at Georgetown or Cambridge University. I definitely plan to travel as they grow older, and I hope that by then I will see more of the world.
When you aren't making art what are you doing?
When I'm not making art, I can be found creating a fictional world in short stories, jogging to the beach, playing folk songs on my guitar, or getting lost in a new book.
Are there any artists you look up to?
I really admire the work of Mary Cassatt. her paintings are so lovely, when I look at them, I feel transported to another world.
Are there any pieces of art from others that you wish you had made?
Definitely! I get lots of inspiration for my style on other artists' work, so it's only natural!! When I look at the works of early realist oil paintings, it astounds me that people can paint like those artists do, and I really wish I could make my art look like theirs. I also would really like to create a new style of art, as seen in cubist’s work.
Do you have a favorite piece that you've made?
I think there's something different I love in every piece I make, but I have two all-time favorites. Coincidentally, both are of owls!! One is a watercolor and one is an acrylic which you may have seen posted on my account.
Are there any words of advice or encouragement that you'd like to give to teens?
Do what makes you happy and be yourself!! I know it sounds cheesy, but I've learned that life is so much more fun if you live it the way you actually want to. Have courage, and be kind.
Comentarios