Unreal Artists X Elena Gatti
All eyes on our latest collaboration UF x Elena Gatti
Elena will get a 10% commission for every purchase made through the code ELENA10 By using this code, you’ll also get your 10% discount on your next UF purchase.
She’s that very creator I love from the Windy City. Embracing “the human essence’s beautiful imperfections” (in her own words), Elena uses organic lines and bold colors to make me feel at home so effortlessly. I acknowledge that learning to love my imperfections, this somewhat “intimidating task,” often puts me in a vulnerable position; however, Elena’s art guides me to find strength in my vulnerability.
What are your main sources of inspiration? Tell us 3 top references for your work.
I would definitely have to say the skills I learned in my graphic design courses have trickled into my work. I think graphic design has adopted such unique trends within the last 2 years - I really hope to continue to use these skills in my work moving forward. I love things that are natural, mismatched, and abstracted - I think this makes work so interesting. I look at nature for a lot of inspiration as well in terms of balance, shape, and color. Lastly, learning about art history and taking a few courses in this area has really helped me understand the human form and how truly beautiful it is.
Do you have a routine or ritual to enable creativity? Share with us.
I would say my routine or rituals consist of my picking up a pen or my iPad every single day, especially on the days I feel like I am in a rut. On days I have no clue what to draw, I just draw lines over lines and see what figure or shape I can find hidden in the lines. I think once you make it a habit to do something you love daily, that is the greatest gift of self-love you can give yourself. Lastly, I have to listen to music when I draw, Preferably folk or the 1975.
Do you use your fashion style as a way to express your personality/creativity? And has fashion ever been a source of inspiration for you and if yes can you give us a concrete example?
I 100% use fashion to express my creativity. I love to wear retro, bright, and bold clothes. I also seek out colors or clothes that remind me of my own art. I thrift most of my clothes... I am such a nostalgic person, I find it really interesting to wear and style something that was loved by another person. I really hope one day my art can be turned into textile fabric to make clothes, that is definitely a goal of mine.
What is your favorite work and what it represents within your line of work?
I think one of my favorite pieces is my wildflowers & wild things series. To me, it represents pure happiness, freedom, and exploration in my work. It represents me trying something new for the joy of discovery. I remember I just stopped thinking while creating this series and created just for the pure fun of it. I didn't care if the colors were too 'bold' or 'clashed' I was proud that I put so much love and happiness into a piece of work and I wanted to share that with others.
Do you use your art to convey any social or political issues? If yes what are the current movements you relate the most?
Yes. I do convey social issues in my work. I want all women who see my work to see themselves. I want women who see my work to feel powerful, beautiful and celebrated. I hope to inspire other women creators to do what they love and practice it DAILY. Above all, I hope to continue to use my work to spread acceptance, love, and conversation about how we are all beautifully different. Something I will always do is seek out opportunities where my art can help others on a deeper level - I think it is important to remember your talents are a gift, share them with others.
If you could make a photoshoot with a pair of Unreal Fields shoes together with one of your works, which work would that be?
I would definitely love to style a pair of Unreal Fields Shoes with my wildflowers & wild things series framed in natural wood in a bright room or outside. I think the Statuette- Black Leather Acrylic Heel Boots would complement the bold colors I use in this series, and the face outline is the perfect touch to the bodies I create.
