Biography
My flowers, seeds, or leaves are more than mere objects. Their tension, rigor and meticulous representation take shape on a symbolic ink background. My artworks do not only represent the reality of the “still life objects” I paint, but also the unique and intimate interpretation of my feelings and memories. I love the poetic potential of simple objects. The arrangement is modest and minimalist: few objects can stand alone to make a complete composition dominated by a critical use of shadows. The essential elements of my artworks are composition, contrasts and symbolism, but also realism and simplicity. Art critic Vera Maria Carminati wrote: The poetic detail of Laura Fantini’s still life paintings strongly elevates the “mimesis” and, through an extraordinary technique, transforms the “invisible” to the “visible.” In her metaphysical flowers, ideal perfection is sharpened by a strong sense of transition where beauty and “vanitas” merge.
My medium is colored pencil on paper (Schoellershammer illustration board). As a predominant medium, colored pencil allows me to be exasperatingly precise. At first glance, my smooth strokes create an almost photographic effect. However, a closer look reveals even more intricate and minute detail than photography. From thousands upon thousands of precise, distinct, cross-hatched pencil-strokes, I build up rich tones. My precise technique allows me to develop a deep and intimate relationship with my subjects and with the actual surface of the artwork.
