Interview with Maurizio Camposeo
Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Maurizio Camposeo, a talented painter known for his evocative and suggestive works. In this interview, we will explore his creative process, sources of inspiration, and the meaning behind his artworks.
Hello Maurizio, how do personal experiences influence your work?
Personal experiences are fundamental; they significantly shape an artistic journey. They are the source of everything an artist creates. Life experiences drive a continuous search. Otherwise, artistic creation would become merely a technical exercise and nothing more.
What is the most important lesson you have learned as an artist?
The lesson I have learned as an artist is definitely to remain humble yet respectful of my work. When you start painting, you should not assume the attitude of knowing how to do everything; it is essential to be aware of all the things an artist has learned over time and to incorporate them into the next piece, with the intention of surpassing oneself and allowing oneself to explore that unknown part of oneself that is not yet understood.
How do you decide when a work is finished?
There comes a moment when you feel satisfied with the work done, and with a sense of enthusiasm, you pause to evaluate the success of the piece. After the initial euphoria fades, the phase of self-criticism begins. At that point, I show the result to my daughter, because her keen sensitivity and artistic clarity immediately challenge me. In the following days, I make adjustments until I feel that the result is what I intended. A painting is complete the moment I no longer feel it’s mine; at that point, I know I shouldn’t touch it anymore. That image remains fixed in my memory, and I let it go.
Which of your works are you most proud of and why?
I am always proud of my latest work, where I try to incorporate everything I’ve learned over time, mostly aiming to surprise myself that I created it, while also trying to bring out what I don’t yet know about myself and my potential. Honestly, I always need to see growth, improvement, and the development of thought, and consequently, the quality of the painting. As I often tell myself, if this does not happen, I will free myself of everything: brushes, colors, canvases; at least until the next inspiration strikes. I also remind myself that sooner or later, I will create a painting that will encapsulate all the work of a lifetime.
“When you start painting, you should not assume the attitude of knowing how to do everything.“
Do you integrate social or political issues into your art? How do you manage the commercial aspect?
I do not intentionally incorporate social issues, but as a person, I definitely aim to induce those who view my work into a mindset of simplicity, lightness, spirituality, and attention to the beauty that already exists. I try to manage the commercial aspect by using the communication tools available to us, but without ever altering the artistic work, which should be the main focus in its depth, not just a product to sell.
What is your preferred environment or context for creating art?
Being around people. Listening to and getting to know all kinds of individuals; they are my source of inspiration. Like this morning: a seemingly hostile and impatient woman, after a few encounters, shares with me the story of losing her young son. This is a gut punch that certainly challenges your art to alleviate the suffering of others through images. I carry out all this work in my domestic corner, where I have been developing and gathering my feelings more intimately for years.
How do you stay motivated and inspired during long-term projects?
Great question. How do I stay motivated and inspired? I believe it comes naturally. Since I was a child, when I would get bored in class and draw directly on my desk with a pencil. To me, art is a predisposition; it’s a form of natural expression. You just need to find a way to bring it out. As my father, also an artist, used to say: “In art, there is no mistake. I have continued without ever stopping, nurturing and respecting it, and it has accompanied me to this point.” Painting is one of the most beautiful intimate sensations that help you find yourself. Long-term projects? I have already been in a long-term project for quite some time.
Has your cultural background or personal identity played a role in your artistic development?
I believe that every part of your being—whether cultural, emotional, or intellectual—is a fundamental ingredient that shapes your way of seeing and creating art. It takes time; you have to live it, and then you can tell the story. When I was very young, I would look at the works of other artists and think, “I can do that too.” Only over time did I realize that every small mark must carry a deep understanding of life to have meaning beyond just the aesthetic.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about visual artists today?
In my opinion, they should first research a personal language, choose a theme, and delve into it, perhaps initially following in the footsteps of other artists’ projects while trying to progress with their own hand. Wanting to emerge quickly and skip steps is not a good approach. Certainly, it’s important to work on aesthetics enough to please the eye, but more importantly, you need to focus on what you feel when seeing a work, rather than stopping at just what is visible.
What is the recurring challenge you face as an artist, and how do you overcome it?
Certainly, the challenge is to stay active, to keep the enthusiasm, consistency, and discipline alive. Observing nature and society changing rapidly, while using curiosity to fuel inspiration. How do I overcome this challenge? Through encounters. The people I have met along my journey have given me confidence, and I certainly cannot let them down.
Thank you for sharing your insights and artistic journey with us today, Maurizio. We look forward to seeing how your work continues to evolve and resonate with others.
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