Benedetta Cutrone

I am Benedetta Cutrone in art Cleocony, an illustrator born in Matera in 1998. I attended art high school in Matera and then an animation film course in Florence. My works are very personal in that I find it much easier to express an emotion or feeling through an image than through words. They arrive perhaps in a more direct way.

Q&A

What craft do you work with?

I like to think of myself as a very creative person. Expressing myself, searching for beauty and drawing it in my own way, I find it therapeutic. I also think that pictures come in a much more direct way, as much as words are also important. Besides being a real personal outlet, I always hope that someone can identify with one of my drawings, can understand me. It makes one feel much less isolated. I have been drawing forever but I am trying to establish myself in this area so that it can be my work.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

I have been drawing since I was a child, you could say I have never stopped doing it. Drawing for me is fundamental, I often tend to absorb emotions and expressing them in words has always been difficult for me. I love to draw both digitally and on paper, such as with watercolors and markers.

How do you start your creative process?

I often start with a “doodle,” I also like to get carried away by a song that I listen to on repeat at a particular time, or a movie that moved me. I also find inspiration from experiences that I have experienced firsthand. The most fun part is the coloring, I like to play with contrasts and find the union I like best. The most difficult part is in creating the light and shadows.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

Currently my workspace consists of a desk full of markers, sketchbooks,papers, brushes, my ever-present ipad, computer, etc.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I would very much like to learn the technique of screen printing and perfect the technique of cyanotype. I would also like to learn sewing and combine drawing and garment making.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

I am learning to share my passion with other people; I often tend to hide. My advice is to show your work despite how imperfect it may seem. Always be authentic.

What other types of craft do you dream of collaborating with?

Mi piacerebbe collaborare con fashion designer per creare abiti che abbiano come dettagli le mie illustrazioni.

What professional dream do you have?

I dream of working doing what I love, mixing illustration with three-dimensional media such as clothes, objects, etc.