Caterina Pacialeo

It is always a pleasure and very exciting to share the work of someone you admire and are so lucky to call them your friend. Caterina Pacialeo is as good photographers should be. She is very meticulous with an eye for detail that is impressive. Combine those skills with a very sutil way of looking and a profound love of nature and voila!!

How did art find you?
 
Art found me as a little child. I would love to draw and paint. It was always my favorite subject in class.
 
When did you decide to become an Artist?
 
I fell in love with photography in year 10. I think I was 15 or 16 years old. I saw my very first print come to life in the darkroom. It was then I knew I wanted to be a photographer.
 
Please tell us a bit about you and your artwork?
 
I’m a Photographic Artist and I also teach photography in various colleges and Universities. I’m currently at TAFE St George College of Fine Art and the National Art School, Sydney.
 
My work explores Nature and the elements of nature. It what makes up this planet its who we are as humans. We are one and the same. I want to be able to feel the elements within these images. Connecting with you.
 
 
What is your favourite medium, technique?
 
My medium is photography I use a combination of film and digital. I also am using video to produce small short abstract stories.
 
I feel the urge to pick up my large format 5x4 camera. To slow down the image process of making images. Film has a beautiful quality it gives you. It’s a feeling. I love the way you immerse yourself in the darkroom.
 
Do I have a favourite colour?
 
That’s a hard question to ask a photographer I see colour as a palette to make up the mood, the story for the image. In Black and White it’s the tone that tells the story it’s all about the light. Though to answer your question directly. I do like Black and shades of Black. I have a monochromatic taste of late.  Though red is amazing!
 
 Who was or is your favourite art teacher and why?
 
I have so many art and photography teachers who are my favourites and it’s a great question. The 3 most influential were art teachers who have really inspired and encouraged me. My first art teacher in high school Mrs. Cronk she was British and very funny, I loved painting and drawing at that time and it was she who she introduced me to the darkroom which was the size of a closet.
 
Then there was Mrs. Hampson in my senior years of high school year 12. Interesting enough just realised as I’m writing this was British as well. She was a tough nut but I see know it was her passion. I learned lots from her this is where the theory of art came together for me. We had the most beautiful art room any school could ask for it was a large open plan studio wrapped with with floor to ceiling windows 3 of the four walls. It was away from the main campus out near the sports field and a darkroom was in the building behind so large you could dance in it (we did). This was truly were I immersed my self in art and lots of photography. She taught us with such passion and was very generous with her time and incredibly supportive. She was so dedicated to her teaching.
 
Moving on to University straight out of high school I decided to do a B.A in Visual Arts and I would have to say were some of the best years of my life. I met some amazing lecturers, I felt a little intimidated at first. I was inspired by many teachers here but a few stood out the most Lynne Roberts- Goodwin very inspirational, funny and full of energy and incredibly intelligent. She is wonderful photographic artist and I connect with her work. Very supportive and encouraging. They all were.
 
 
 Who or what inspires you?
 
Being out in nature inspires me watching the light change throughout the day. I love the ocean and the bush. It’s like a deep meditation for me.
 
Being with friends whom I love and respect and sharing our life, connecting conversation with meaning that leave you feeling inspired, heard and loved and experiencing wonderful moments like dancing all night. Very simple moments even if it’s over a cup of marsala chai.
 
Music and art always inspires its food to my soul.
 
 
Why do you think Art is key?
 
Art is incredibility important for culture and society. It enriches lives. It subjective it inspires so that it may inspire and touches our souls. It all around us Galleries, Museums, opera, Dance, theatre, movies, great design, architecture etc. It operates on multiple levels.
 
 
 If you could ask your favorite artist any question what will it be?
 
I would ask: How is it that an artist can stay consistent with our practice without getting caught up in everyday affairs. Its one I struggle with.
 

When creating with children what are three things that work wonders?
 
I absolutely whole heartily believe that we need to support, encourage and acknowledge our children in whatever creative project they decide on and in all areas of life. That’s the foundation to a happy and healthy co-existence. Make it fun and never say it’s wrong or right, art is experimental and it’s all subjective.
 
With those three elements in place they will grow to feel supported in what ever they choose to DO, BE or HAVE in their life.
 
 
Could you share with us 3 Artists you follow in instagram:
 
I follow many though the ones I enjoy to watch are:
 
antoniaperriconemrljak​@antoniaperriconemrljak a wonderful painter.
@Natalie_sharpe_art
Daniel_Shipp
 
My website: www.caterinapacialeo.com
 
My instagram is personal snapshots of my life around me what inspires me and ‘m in the moment.
I will start another account very soon and will share it with you when I’m ready.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

WIND #2

​SERIES ELEMENTE #2

A series of images that belong to a body of work titled ‘Elements'. These images make reference to the four Elements that reflect our seasons, all photographed within the landscape of native Australia in context and in season.
A research and journey into a limitless substance, energy that all is one and one is all. In Air, Fire, Earth, & Water, we are all interwoven, connected. I float on the surface. I expand. I am one with the source.
When I sit and go within, my world one and I am but a part of all earthly elements. The breath reminds me that I am Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

EARTH #2

FIRE #2

Water #2 Surrender