Interview: Sara De Pasquale
Luca Curci talks with Sara De Pasquale during the 10th edition of LONDON CONTEMPORARY 2024, at ELEMENTS London.

Sara De Pasquale, a Swiss interdisciplinary visual artist based in Zurich, has roots extending from Switzerland to London where she used to live, with origins in Liverpool and Manduria, Southern Italy. Her latest series, Exquifusion, embodies love, diversity, and empowerment through delicate figurines, showcasing strength in vulnerability and the freedom to be oneself. Her art, created intuitively to communicate stories through color, form, and composition, is made for the quirky, eccentric people who’ve seen everything and constantly looking for new experiences. Currently, Sara focuses on her Exquifusion series while exploring a new concept called AURA, inspired by her experience with migraines and visual distortions. Drawing from her background in photography, she aims to delve deeper into the significance of color and light, finding inspiration in the vibrant hues of nature. Her interdisciplinary approach to art, spanning ceramics, mixed media, and photography, reflects her continuous exploration of techniques that best express her intentions.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Sara De Pasquale – Art has an incredible meaning for me. It can be a passionate pursuit or a means of visualising thoughts and ideas. Sometimes the process feels like a rollercoaster ride of trial and error, but the satisfaction of sharing my work with others afterwards is unrivalled- even when I have to face criticism from my teenage children, who are my harshest critics. For me, art is a way of communicating, especially as I tend to be introverted. It allows me to express what I believe in without necessarily having to speak. This aspect of art is where passion and dedication come into play. I enjoy connecting with fellow artists and finding common ground in our shared endeavour to communicate our intentions and beliefs through our art.

LC – What are you currently working on?
SDP – Now I am fully engaged with my EXQUIFUSION series and trying to bring it to its peak. At the same time, I am exploring a new concept called AURA, staying true to the same style I use for my ceramics. This project delves into the world of color, something that has great meaning for me. I suffer from migraines that are accompanied by visual distortions, known as auras, and this is a part of my life. Despite the challenges they bring, I have found beauty and inspiration in them. Seeing the vibrant colors of nature and light during these episodes fills me with wonder. With a background in photography, I am eager to revisit this medium to explore the subject further. Nature is not just a passive backdrop for me, it is a constant source of fascination and meaning in my life. On this occasion, my daughter Ella Jo made a deep connection and emphasized the importance of deepening the concept of color and light.

LC – Where do you find inspiration?
SDP – As the creative director of an international insurance company, my background in art and design has led me to explore different ways to stay connected with the art world. The company I work for is a long-standing sponsor of prestigious art events such as Art Basel in Basel and TEFAF Maastricht, which gives me invaluable insights into the global art scene. On these occasions, I have had the privilege of speaking with gallery owners, art collectors and curators, gaining a deep respect for the talent and creativity of artists worldwide. The exchange with other art lovers and the shared passion for art is truly inspiring for me. In addition, travelling is an important source of inspiration; I make it a point to visit local art museums wherever I go. Immersing myself in art, design, architecture, and cultural heritage while travelling fills me with energy and fuels my creativity.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
SDP – Exactly! It all started in ’95 when I had a photo lab in the basement of a school building where I developed my black and white photo collages. Concentrating on my work, I often forgot the time and came out very late at night and it often felt spooky for a young woman to walk home at night. But it was worth it every time. Later I moved on to digital photography and started creating collages that were printed on silver colored fabric. Over the years, chemicals and colors became an integral part of my creative process. I experimented with oils and acrylics, using chemicals to encourage natural deterioration over time. Eventually, I ventured into ceramics and founded my own start-up company specializing in high-quality tiles. This endeavor deepened my understanding of porcelain production and furthered my fascination with working with this material. Having grown up with my family’s passion for collecting Lladró porcelain figurines, I was drawn to the allure of the fragile. I drew inspiration from the themes of the past and wove them into my life today, allowing me to express my own unique ideas and concepts. Therefore, I consider myself an interdisciplinary artist. My interests span various production techniques as I am constantly exploring which method best expresses my intentions. The technique serves as a tool for me; sometimes the technique itself is perceived as art, and other times the subject matter takes centre stage. However, when both the technique and the subject complement each other, then I truly see it as art. One cannot exist without the other; they are interwoven and form a cohesive expression.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
SDP – Growing up in a close-knit Catholic family with roots stretching from Liverpool to Manduria in southern Italy, I faced many challenges as a young girl. Whilst my younger brother enjoyed the freedom to develop, I was often restricted. It is important for me to support my children, nieces, and nephews so that they can pursue their dreams. It wasn’t easy for me as a single mum to assert myself and many things seemed like a constant struggle to get through. Today, as an artist, I see it as both a duty and a privilege to address political and cultural issues in my work in a way that others may not be able to. I take my role in the community seriously and advocate for body positivity, LGBTQ+ rights and women supporting each other. These are the themes I express in my art. Despite the superficial appearance of my work, the impact and underlying message subtly shine through.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
SDP – The concept really appealed to me and, to be honest, I felt that my work was a perfect fit. Applying was a no-brainer for me because my work fits so well with your theme. I put a lot of effort into researching topics that were close to my heart and it paid off. These days, I’m selective about where I showcase my art. If I see that an exhibition or opportunity aligns with my themes and supports my vision, I’m happy to participate. It’s incredibly motivating to work with people who share similar values and goals.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
SDP – The exhibited works show friends, sisters or lovers who support each other. They capture the moment of happiness or sadness. The situation of this special moment is open to interpretation. Women who encourage other women are key. Women acting as role models is my vision. These artworks are based on mixed media and are fired in steel. How the interplay of delicate porcelain figurines complements a solid, strong, and durable foundation. Also, an opportunity to share my lighter artwork as other works weigh up to 30kg. I tend to use blue colors as they are a symbol of purity for me. They express clear communication. The tattoo patterns remind me of Delft pottery, which I personally love and represents timeless elegance.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
SDP – Wow, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am! Your team has been fantastic, guiding me through the whole process and giving me so much support. I am so grateful to you all for that. I really hope more artists have the chance to work with you soon; they would be lucky if they could experience what I experienced. I look forward to more opportunities to work with the ITSLIQUIDS group in the future.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
SDP – I have been following your platform for quite some time and have been waiting for an opportunity to present my work. As I’ve mentioned before, it pays to be patient and selective with submissions matching a theme. Your platform is highly professional, and I love reading the articles featuring the many great international artists. Many thanks to you and to the ITSLIQUID Group team for this interview. It was a real pleasure to give you some more insights into my motivations. I look forward to more.