Hey Restless Colour readers, check out this interview with up and coming Adelaide illustrator Gemma Buratto.
My name is Gemma Buratto and I have joined in, in the past few years of my life, with the sort of people who like to draw; Illustrators, in other words. Drawing is what I like to do and illustrating is how I do it. I live in theAdelaide
My name is Gemma Buratto and I have joined in, in the past few years of my life, with the sort of people who like to draw; Illustrators, in other words. Drawing is what I like to do and illustrating is how I do it. I live in the
What attracted you to illustration?
The fact that I could kind of draw attracted me to illustration. It was basically something I was good at besides vacuuming. I was fascinated by the way that people could express feelings, events, landscapes etc in so many different ways. I was curious about the underlying meanings of pieces of art as well. It is also almost a compulsion for me to draw. I don’t know a time when I was not drawing. Where standing on a plastic crate and yelling at people in the street is one person’s way of expressing themselves, drawing is my way.
What medium do you use for your illustrations?
I cannot move away from pen and ink. It is a medium that I feel the most comfortable with and that I can use to show different textures etc. With line work, it can be unpredictable and imaginative. You can use a brush or a nib, sponge, or most objects really.
Where do you draw inspiration from when illustrating?
I like to portray things that have happened in my life, or things that I have been told about, or events that I could imagine happening. I truly believe that fact is better than fiction and even though it is great sitting back watching a film and running away from reality, reality will always be more fascinating and unbelievable than fiction will ever be.
What are some of your achievements?
If you mean any sort of achievement, even small ones. I think I have improved and developed my technique to a point where I am happy with it and have the confidence to experiment a lot more. I have now gone back to acrylics and using that as well as pen and ink, which has proved to be an interesting combination. I have also been easing myself into comics and have been doing some work for the comic book Decay. It has been a good experience and a friend and I have our own project happening now. We are writing and I will be illustrating a comic book about something or other. And I am writing one for myself about my friend Kate because she is my favourite friend and one of the most fascinating people in the world.
What artists and people have influenced your work and how?
I have a few but I’ll just talk about a few. I am completely fascinated by the works of Quentin Blake, Ralf Steadman and Alex Pardee. The way they all use line is what fascinates me. Ralf Steadman’s use of mixed media and Alex Pardee’s detail. Quentin Blake’s child-like illustrations are extremely beautiful. The way they all show a rough technique that looks as if the line is spontaneous even though it is carefully planned. Also in each of their works there is an amazing amount of imagination. I do try and achieve that in my own illustrations. Portraying a scene from real life is something but portraying it in a way that will stretch the viewers imagination is another.
What is your dream job?
I don’t have a dream job as such. I believe I would be perfectly happy doing a number of things. I love doing comics so hopefully I will be able to continue that. Storyboarding is another job I would love to do as well as picture books and maybe one day I will be involved in animation.
What advice would you give other young illustrators?
Be persistent. You may not believe it but nothing actually happens if you watch daytime television and eat chips most days. If you have done that I’m sure you’ve watch enough moral abundant American movies with the message that if you work hard you will be able to get to do what you would love to do. Also socialize! Find out where you can meet other illustrators/artists. Illustrators who have been in the industry for a while will give you the best advice and you can talk to people who are just starting out who you can talk to. Just socializing in general. Going out to see exhibitions, movies, bands, anything really, because you never know what will influence you and give you inspiration and fantastic ideas for your work.
Email: gemma-b@live.com.au
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