Interview with Martino Catalano

q)What is your name?

a)Martino Catalano.

q) Where do you live and work?

a)Oldham, which is in North Manchester in the UK.

q)What is your creative process like?

a)Freely sculpting only things I enjoy.

q)What is your favorite medium?

a)Clay. It is second nature to me.

q)What is your current favorite subject?

a)I never have any 'current' subject as such, I have a continuous inspiration from bizarre, humanoid, monstrous and erotic themes as well as myriad other loves which my work can apply to.

q)How long does it take for you to finish a piece?

a)It depends on how big, small, detailed or simplified a piece is. Also, the medium used, wether it is fired or moulded and cast, etc. Very elusive question to answer.

q)What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

a)The 'Snake Queen' is the tallest sculpture I have done. The cast still unfinished due to damage a long time ago.

q)Are there any contemporary artists that you love?

a)Yes, these among too many others to list here:H.R. Giger, Mark Ryden, William B. Hand, Madeleine Von Foerster,Mike Worrall, Lori Earley, Jaroslaw Kukowski, Jake and Dinos Chapman,Maya Kulenovic, Naoto Hattori, Billy Reynolds.

q)Can we buy your art anywhere?

a)Occasionally Ebay for my 'accessible work' for my 'serious' work, my website: martinocatalano.com

q)Anything that people should know about that we don't??

a)Difficult question.

q)What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?

a)I would advise them to never be swayed by other people's bad opinons. This is a healthy acceptance together with the praise and accolades.

q)What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?

a)Simply keeping the end result in my mind's eye.

q)How do you describe your work to those who are unfamiliar with it?

a)I would say human thoughts and experiences in truncated physical form.

q)What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?

a)Apart from one year at college, which gave me an appreciation for modern art, I am entirely self-taught through books, everday observation and trial and error.

q)Is there a tool or material that you can't imagine living without?

a)The two simple staples: clay and sculpting tools.

q)Who are your influences?

a)Mainly early ones: Henry Moore, Ray Harryhausen, Elizabeth Frink, Giacometti, David Bowie, the ancients.

q)What inspires you to create?

a) A lot of the time, people, music, travel, animals, shocking events, flora, good weather, cities.

q)…your contacts…

a)None, I'm a lone wolf.