Every year we join forces with UK based artists to provide an exhibition space where exciting work is shared in a dynamic and lively environment. As a co-working space, we thought it was about time that we gathered pieces focused on one simple concept: the people, characters, wonders, and stories across our local landscapes.

This week we got to know Italian photographer Cecilia Volpi. Cecilia’s world is populated by dramatic lights, a dreamlike colour palette and cinematic compositions. All these elements beautifully blend, contributing to a sense of whispered narratives hinted at behind each image.

*Cecilia Volpi, Image courtesy of the artist*

Hello Cecilia, Thank you for joining us. To start with, tell us about yourself and what you do!

I’m a Scotland-based, Italian Fine Art photographer who loves working with both digital and analogue techniques, and mixed media as much as possible. My work is characterised by a constant research for an intimate and hidden dimension with the subjects I photograph, longing for a sense of nostalgia. The concepts of time, memory and identity are at the core of my work, creative expression is the way to explore and respond to the physical and emotional world around me. I’m also a nature, outdoors, cinema and crafts enthusiast, and I always try to incorporate new medias in my work to keep it experimental and fun.

Tell us about your practice. You mentioned your work is characterised by a cinematic style and a love for neon colours. What role do narratives and storytelling play in shaping your projects?

I’m always looking for new and alternative ways to convey my inner world and respond to the outer environment. I like to explore different narrative techniques which suit different emotions and themes. Light is the key to my narrative as I split my identity in two halves according to light. There is natural Mediterranean daylight which I associate to my origins, nostalgia and childhood memories. This part of my work is soft and delicate. The other side is characterised by artificial lighting, neon colours, dark and moody scenarios, I associate this part to Scotland and it’s dark endless winters.

How did your relationship with photography develop?

I used to prefer drawing , painting and Fine Art to photography as that was my initial field of studies too. I then felt I could express myself better with photography as it is a more immediate tool. However now I’m nostalgic for the crafty and analogue process of art-making, therefore I’m exploring new ways of applying Fine Art techniques to Photography, making it more tangible and physical.

**🔥 Quickfire round 1: Cinemaphiles. Can you recommend three visually stunning movies that tend to go under the radar?**

1. Smoke Sauna Sisterhood - Anna Hints
2. Frances Ha - Noah Baumbach
3. Suspiria - Dario Argento (1977)

Being a prolific creative can sometimes be exhausting. What is your relationship with burnout? Any words of advice?

That’s a tough one. I’m often feeling burnt out for various reasons. My advice is to be very selective with the projects you sign up for, say ‘No’ to people who are expecting the moon, but on a tight budget, as that will lead you to feeling overworked, resentful, and frustrated. I also believe it’s okay to rely on a non-creative job as long as it’s a healthy, respectful and supportive environment. Sometimes that can be better than doing exhausting creative jobs that undervalue us. Take a lot of time to be alone with your personal creative endeavours, don’t try to overfill your time as I believe friends and family should understand our need for personal development. I also try to spend a lot of time in nature.