What is the best thing that I love about my work?
Being able to express my deepest and most secret emotions through my painting…An expansion of myself that is a constant discovery. While painting the story unfolds, and I am naked and vulnerable…and that is also strength and powerful. Such a gift!
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
It takes very little to make me happy. I love to give and receive, completing my paintings brings me joy of course; an embrace from a loved one, my puppy next to me when I wake up and she kisses me all over my face, having a peaceful mind.
What is my greatest fear?
I fear losing my mind, memory, imagination, my creativity…having my identity disappear into an empty space.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Deplore is a big word, I do not deplore myself in any way, but I do not LIKE my procrastination. I tend to postpone things instead of doing them in the moment. Eventually I get everything done, but not always right away.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
I really admire French contemporary artist Fabienne Verdier, I love her huge strokes and the sense of freedom from simple yet powerful brush strokes. I also admire California-based abstract painter Bradford Stewart. He always inspires me not to fall into a category. His art is not homogenous and I admire that, as he expresses himself in a variety of styles, which is what I like to do with my paintings.
What is my greatest extravagance?
I do not have one in particular actually. Is it boring?
On what occasion would I lie?
My friends tell me that I am brutally honest…but I have lied when I had to save someone’s feelings and it was not necessary to hurt them in the name of sincerity.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
The self-marketing and having to explain my work. I find them both boring and annoying. The art talk is often pretentious and uninspiring…I must see and feel more than “hear” a piece of art.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
Completing my first portrait made me so happy – the feeling of accomplishing something I did not believe I could do. I learned to trust my abilities more…also my first expressionist abstract…I knew that is what I wanted to lean towards…it exhilarated me to the point of feeling butterflies in my stomach.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
Becoming more patient …it is a constant struggle, but I am now more patient than I used to be.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
I think I am pretty good with color mixing and coordination…it is purely instinctive, but then I must observe and accept or reject, and I am good at it. Also, having artists and galleries admiring my paintings is an achievement for me, collectors who purchase more than one paintings…I am fortunate.
Where would I most like to live?
I loved every place I lived, from Africa to USA to Europe…from big city to country to beach city, I do not have a specific favorite place…as long as I am happy, that is the place for me.
What is my most treasured possession?
Photos of my family from a distant past, those black and white photos that remind me who I am and where I come from. I look at them often, at times it is a nostalgic, melancholic emotion, at times I feel a sense of pride and self-awareness.
What is my most marked characteristic?
Empathy, compassion. Also, I am a good listener…I believe it is because I really care to know how others feel and think.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
Every little corner of Rome is an inspiration. Ancient art and spaces … there is plenty to admire and feel inspired…but I am most inspired by nature, Villa Borghese, Villa Ada, Villa Torlonia, Pincio…parks that are rich in art and nature, a mixture that is an aphrodisiac for me.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
ALLA RAMPA Restaurant, near the Spanish Steps, a colorful place with great food and the best Profiterole dessert, and FARINA RE”…a small local pizzeria where the Roman pizza is out of this world, as well as also the best pasta dishes!
What books influenced my life and how?
The Seat of the Soul, in 1989, by Gary Zukav was a book that influenced what would be my initiation to a more fulfilling spiritual life. The New Earth by Eckhart Tolle taught me to be more observant of my own thoughts and to “control” my fears by staying in the Now. The Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramhansa Yogananda…taught me that everything is possible.
Who are my favorite writers?
I do not have a favorite, but I tend to read more Middle Eastern and Asian writers. Their expressive language is rich and profound. I enjoy Arundhati Roy, Krishnamurti, a great Indian philosopher/thinker.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Music with no words…sounds of the Universe, esoteric and of spiritual essence, preparing me and guiding for the final journey from this Earth.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
I do not have any heroes in fiction, but in real life yes, many.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
My mom most of all. She has taught me and showed me strength in the most difficult of situations, integrity and honesty no matter what. Regular people, everyday heroes who fight for equality for all, for injustice, and give themselves freely and generously for the highest good of humanity.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
“Cherry Blossom” a 2008 German film, directed by Doris Dorrie. It touched me so very deeply.
What role plays art in my life and work?
It is the biggest role. It is air I breathe every day, in my mind I paint while I am driving, taking a shower, lying in bed….
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, and partner in crime?
A great supporter and mentor is my friend and fellow artist Clara Berta.
Whom would I like to work with in 2018?
Someone who could inspire me and pushes me to paint better.
Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2018?
French artist Fabienne Verdier, Chinese artist/hero Ai Wei Wei, Julian Schnabel…so original!!
What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on?
A series of a new technique on both Yupo paper and Canvas.
Where can you see me or my work in 2018?
Some works is presently showing at “Emerald C Gallery”1331 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
And on my web site http://www.ambratesori.com
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” means to me?
It’s way of life. Passion might change with time and experiences, but it is what gives a sense to life, the exuberance and love with no limits.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Nadine Baurin
How can you contact me?
Feel free to connect and/or contact me @
ambratesori@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/ambra.tesori
The Grand Tour 