Marta Montanelli

What drives you to create?

When I create, my eyes and my heart set off on a distant journey — timeless and without limits. The freedom and vitality I feel when an idea crosses my mind is priceless; my whole body springs into action and I begin to draw, then I cut and sew, or I dye, or I print. And finally, seeing the completed project, finished and whole, is an immense satisfaction.

What inspires you?

Music greatly activates my creativity; it touches chords that suggest shapes, colors, and lines. But traveling, seeing new places, and learning about different cultures and people is also extremely stimulating — which is why I always carry a notebook with me to capture the ideas that arrive unexpectedly.

How do you bring your works to life?

First of all, sound. Sometimes I choose silence, other times I need a certain kind of music. In the latter case, singing or dancing sparks something in me and I’m ready to begin. Paper, pencil, ruler, and drawing. I look at fabrics, search for the right color, the right textile. And then chalk, scissors, and sewing machine.