Serena Depero
Pictures above by Andrea B. Swenson
Hudson Valley, New York
Website:
www.serenadepero.com
Social Media:
Instagram
How would you describe your work?
Mostly I am a painter, but sometimes I like to explore and experiment with other materials. My paintings are all acrylic on canvas or wood. They are sort of abstract landscapes however the space is often ambiguous. I like to play around with different viewpoints and scales - some shapes and forms feel very close while others are further away. Layering is also very important to me and adds multi-dimensionality to the work. Other people have described my work as being nostalgic or melancholic which makes sense to me as I’m very interested in the idea of time passing and memory.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by nature and landscapes. I love traveling and seeing new places, and I love the feeling of being in a beautiful landscape connected with nature. But nature and landscapes can also be hostile. I am intrigued by this duality of something being both beautiful and repulsive, life-giving and destructive.
I also love looking at patterns, shapes, and forms that I see in the natural world, such as plants, seeds, seashells, and rocks. And I am fascinated by maps, diagrams, and aerial views of the earth. I'm interested in the visible, but also in the invisible - what goes on behind the scenes on a mathematical level (systems, structures), biological level (cells, molecules), and on an energetic level (the life force that connects us all).
Can you speak about your process?
I work on many paintings at the same time, so there is always something to do. I start out with an underpainting and then slowly build layers of colors with different shapes and forms. Over time, some marks take form or come to the foreground, and others get partially covered, erased, lost. The painting itself becomes a record of what has gone before, all the marks, gestures, and layers. Working in the studio is very meditative for me and I try to follow my intuition.
How did you become interested in art?
I have always liked drawing and painting, and making things with my hands. As a teenager, I discovered how powerful making art can be for self-expression. I was very fortunate to have wonderful teachers who inspired me and challenged me throughout high school and college, and living in New York also exposed me to many different artists, galleries, and museums.
Do you have any favorite artists, movies, or books?
There are so many favorite artists. Henry Matisse and Richard Diebenkorn were the first artists whose work I studied closely. I was then obsessed with Francis Bacon, Joan Mitchell, Antony Tapies, and Eva Hesse (in that order). Kiki Smith was also an important figure for me - not only did I have an affinity for her work, but her attitude and approach to art-making are very genuine and inspiring. I have also always admired the work of Cy Twombly, Terry Winters, Agnes Martin, and Brice Marden.
Today I mostly look at the work of contemporary artists. There is a lot of really great painting out there right now - I think this is a very exciting time for painting.
My two favorite art documentaries are probably Rivers and Tides and The Woodmans. But there are so many other things that inspire me. I recently read a novel called Outline by Rachel Cusk which made me think of being underwater - I think that feeling relates to my work.
What advice do you have for younger artists?
My advice is to do what you feel like doing - just keep making art. Don’t overanalyze things too much - it can be paralyzing. Just follow your instinct.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I really love painting. I love the way paint looks on canvas, and the way all the different marks, colors, textures, and forms work together. Painting is an ongoing process of discovery. There is something magical about it. And that’s what keeps me going back to my studio.
