There are many seas across the world.
Far more than the famous Seven Seas navigated by ships and sailing boats over the centuries.
There are the seas and oceans we have given a name to, and then there are the waves, calm or stormy waters and inscrutable depths we have inside us.
Everyone has their own inner sea, springing from their consciousness, that embodies and expresses their desires, dreams and fears.
Some people can listen to the noise of this sea’s invisible waves, decipher it and give it form. Antonella is one such person: she has built her career as an artist around her passion for seas (both real and imaginary).
This enthusiastic painter always wants to turn the seas she carries with her, full of her artistic flair, into something tangible, expressing herself with brushstrokes and various colours and shades.
Her interpretations of the sea, in its various forms, impressed her clients so much she decided to share them with people who do not have access to the original paintings.
The best ally she could find to spread her maritime visions was Pixartprinting’s canvases, which have helped Antonella’s inner oceans to travel the world.
Antonella’s words and images describing this project – which combines creativity, art and entrepreneurship – remind us how rewarding it is to give shape to your inner world and share it with others.
Happy reading!
Who is Antonella? Tell us about yourself and what you do: your dreams, aspirations and talents. A short but faithful portrait!
I work in marketing for SMEs, and I am also a painter.
I love exploring my emotions through art.
I tend to create oil paintings depicting the sea or abstract watercolour versions of the seabed, but I also do acrylic paintings on wood, furniture, walls and small objects.
I also teach adults and children to paint, to improve their wellbeing and allow them to take home something they have painted all by themselves.
What could be more exciting?
Before telling us about your idea, can you explain to our readers what you produced using our printing technology?
I’ve been putting my creations on Etsy for years (https://www.etsy.com/it/shop/italianmarinepainter), and have shipped them all over the world.
I’m always delighted when my customers send me a photo!
Last year, I was asked to send some prints of my best paintings (one depicting the sea by day and one by night), so I immediately turned to Pixartprinting, which I have used for a long time and recommend to all my customers.
Let’s rewind to the very beginning. How did you get the idea for this project? Is there a particular story behind it?
I was drawn to painting from a very young age, and many years ago began creating decorative panels for living rooms and children’s bedrooms.
I’ve always loved painting the sea, and eventually decided to start depicting my inner sea too – and I haven’t stopped!
I started to be invited to group exhibitions across Italy, followed by a few solo shows, and then began making a name for myself abroad.
I then created a website for sea lovers (www.italianmarinepainter.com) with a blog that narrates my amazing collaborative projects with other artists and craftsmen!
Once you had found the right idea, you had to set a goal. What did you want to achieve with your idea? What was your objective?
Not everyone can afford my oil paintings, so, following some requests from both friends and customers, I decided to produce some prints. A couple went to new homes, while others became birthday gifts for people who had been impressed by my depictions of the sea. It was a new way to share my creations with the many people who love my work!
How did you turn your project into reality? What were the design phases and how many were there? Tell us about the process that brought your idea to life and made it ready for printing.
I photographed my painting in my photo studio.
After a few tweaks on Photoshop to get the light correct, the file was ready for printing.
I asked Pixartprinting to send the package directly to the recipient, because I have never had any issues with quality!
How did you use print on demand to produce your work? Which materials did you choose and why?
I have printed my works on both plexiglass and wood, and I must say I was extremely impressed at the print quality and the finished result. Printed on these materials, my creations took on a life of their own.
Pixartprinting has never let me down.
The time has come to use the printed products! In your case, a canvas print that faithfully reproduces your painted creations, as well as some accompanying stickers and postcards. How did you feel when you saw them printed and ready to hang up?
I made postcards to give out at events, packaging for the scarves featuring my works, stickers for wrapping up my paintings and POS displays to advertise and enhance my events, and they have always gone down well! It’s wonderful to see your creations printed on a wide range of materials and then being carried around by people who appreciate them: it’s just so satisfying!
This is only the start! What other projects do you have planned for the future? Can you share them with us?
I have lots of projects on the go! I have more exhibitions and collaborations planned to spread the word about my work, including to overseas customers. You can follow my activities and present and future work on my Instagram profile. See you there! (https://www.instagram.com/italianmarinepainter/?hl=en)