"I paint in silence and speak in verse—each canvas a breath, each word a pulse. My art whispers soul-bound secrets to those who listen with their hearts. As Ram Dass said, "The quieter you become, the more you can hear." I hush the noise so mystery can unfold, inviting you to explore the quiet truths stitched into every cornerstone of love and loss."
Read a Q&A with Gpollieana
Talk to us about your work featured here.
What are the main themes and ideas explored?
What are the main themes and ideas explored?
My paintings are not just visual experiences, but a profound emotional journey that delves into the transformative power of love. It's about holding on to what's sacred—whether that's a memory, a person, or a feeling—and allowing it to guide you through sorrow and healing. The work speaks to themes of loss, longing, and spiritual connection, with each brushstroke echoing the soul's whispers. It's for those who feel deeply, dream vividly, and seek meaning in the quiet moments of life.
Describe your creative process.
My process begins with emotion—often a feeling too complex for words. I work in oil, layering colour and texture to build a visual language that speaks from the heart. I don't follow rigid routines, but I do create in solitude, allowing my inner world to surface. I paint until the canvas feels like it's breathing—when it no longer asks questions but offers comfort. Each piece is a conversation between my soul and the viewer's.
What are the main influences and inspirations behind your art?
Love is not just an inspiration, but my greatest muse—its beauty, its ache, its resilience. I'm inspired by dark romanticism, Renaissance symbolism, and the emotional honesty of artists like Caravaggio and Rembrandt. My Italian heritage also plays a role, infusing my work with rich hues and classical undertones. But above all, I'm moved by the human experience—by the quiet strength in grief, the glow of survival, and the sacredness of connection.
What is unique about your art? What do you consider the strongest aspect of your work?
My art is a unique blend of emotional storytelling and symbolic abstraction. I use oil to create layered narratives that feel both timeless and intimate. What truly sets my work apart is its ability to evoke deep feeling without being literal. The emotional resonance of my paintings is the strongest aspect—it doesn't just depict love, it embodies it. My paintings are windows to the soul, inviting viewers to reflect on their own inner landscapes and feel a profound sense of connection.
What message or emotion do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your art?
My ultimate goal is to create a moment of connection with my viewers. I want them to feel seen and understood, to experience the quiet power of love—the kind that heals, transforms, and endures. Whether it's a sense of peace, nostalgia, or catharsis, I hope my work offers a moment of connection. It's a reminder that we are never alone in our emotions, and that beauty can be found even in sorrow.
What is the biggest challenge for an artist?
What is the hardest part of your job?
What is the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part is staying true to your voice in a world full of noise. Balancing the demands of social media, self-promotion, and creative integrity can be overwhelming. There's also the emotional vulnerability—sharing pieces of your soul and hoping they're received with care. But despite the challenges, I remain committed to creating from a place of truth.
What is the most rewarding part of being an artist?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is when someone connects with the work in a way that feels transformative. When a viewer says, "This made me feel something I couldn't explain," it's like a bridge has been built between two inner worlds. That moment of resonance—of emotional recognition—is why I create. It's also deeply fulfilling to see a piece evolve from a raw idea into something tangible and alive, inspiring hope and transformation in the viewer.
How do you balance tradition and innovation in your work?
I honour tradition through my use of oil and classical composition, but I innovate through emotional abstraction and layered symbolism. My work is a fusion of old-world technique and contemporary feeling. I draw from the past to express the present, creating pieces that feel timeless yet deeply personal, resonating with the audience's sense of timelessness and relevance.
What does "good art" mean to you?
What makes a piece of art great?
What makes a piece of art great?
Good art makes you pause. Great art makes you feel. It's not about perfection—it's about emotional truth. A great piece resonates beyond the canvas; it lingers in your thoughts, stirs your soul, and invites reflection. It's a mirror, a window, a map and a heartbeat all at once.
What is the role of the artist today?
Artists are emotional cartographers—we map the unseen, give form to feeling, and reflect the complexities of being human. In today's fast-paced world, art offers a space for empathy, introspection, and connection. We remind people of their inner worlds, of the beauty in vulnerability, and the strength in love.
See More Art by Gpollieana
This interview was published by Circle Foundation for the Arts © CFA Press ∙ Images are courtesy of the artist