Born 39 years ago in Reggio Emilia, a small and happy city in the northern part of Italy. Graduated from the local Art Institute and from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, under the guidance of Concetto Pozzati. Moved to the United States eight years ago. Works as Senior Art Director at GAVI International, a marketing agency near Chicago, Illinois.

She is Lidoska – painter, art director and BootB Creator.

Read her story and see her work!
Lidoska The Painter
How did you discover you had a creative talent for painting?
As a child I was very shy. Expressing myself through drawing and painting gave me comfort and confidence. Shapes and colors were my friends, allowing me to develop and enjoy my imaginary world. Moreover I had a well-known artists and art professor in my family, Romano Guietti. I realized that pursuing artistic studies would be my natural path during the long conversations I had with him.

What inspires you to paint and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?
I’ve been painting for over 20 years, mainly focusing on building a personal method through a constant practice. Painting inner being and beauty is my central interest.
The process is a personal experience of intimate dialogue with myself and the world around me. I express myself through the exploration of color, materials and signs and their interaction and relationship to each other. By experimenting with these elements, I allow them to freely take on their own form to reach a unique equilibrium.
The end result is a narrative that transmits extraordinary images relating to space, time, history and memories, interpreted through total expressive freedom. I consider my work finished only when it succeeds in creating a moment for reflection. Only when it creates a real fact that turns into poetry through my own development of the work, am I truly satisfied. My clients are aware of this process and of how much time I need, so things never get tough in my studio.

Your paintings are bright and playful. What are you trying to communicate through them?
I grew up in a genuine and authentic environment, surrounded by the great Italian culture and history. This is the main reason why it’s possible to define my representations as joyous and serene. They come from my memories and background which taught me that. No matter how hard and difficult life is, it’s important to find a positive space where beauty and enjoyment are the protagonist and to aspire to better achievements as well as to rest and train your mind and body.

Lidoska The Art Director
How did your career unfold?
I always knew that working as a fine artist I could hardly rely on a secure monthly salary and that I would have to learn a parallel profession. What was most significant to my artistic background was working as a graphic designer. At the age of 16, during the summer I started my apprenticeship at a packaging design agency where I learned the basics.
At 21, I founded a marketing company with three partners. We worked together for ten years, specializing in fashion and food companies. During those years, I have gained my experience in art direction. At the end of this crazy, yet rewarding adventure, I was given the opportunity to work in the United States. So, I decided to go with the flow and experience a great life change.

Why the US instead of Italy?
I was offered a good position in a company I already knew, a good salary plus the opportunity to work with a close-knit team… I could not refuse. I live between the excitement of the unknown and a deep nostalgia for my land and my beloved family and friends. This intense passion conveys the necessary vibration for my artistic expression.

What is it that you enjoy most about your job, your career?
To live out of my creativity… I could not ask for better.

Tea or coffee whilst you work?
ESPRESSO!!

Lidoska The BootB Creator
How did you get to know BootB.com?
Just out of curiosity I was looking online for some freelance work. When I saw BootB.com I fell in love with the name “BootB Republic”. The concept seemed fantastic. I decided to be a part of the community. Great Brands and so many good creators to compete with. Very challenging, I was hooked!

What determined you to participate to the Pitch run by Fondazione Fiera Milano?
Well, to be honest, the budget was the first thing that struck me. I do not have enough time to focus on all the Pitches I like, but with that budget I said “Hey! You have to at least give it a try”. Then I read the brief and I felt confident I could come up with something interesting so I did it.

How does it feel to have bested over 600 designers from 24 countries?
Incredibly GREAT. A state of grace.

Any advice for the other BootB Creators?
NEVER GIVE UP! Don’t get frustrated if your concept is not the winner. Trying is never a waste of time. It’s always a constructive experience. In the end, only one wins among many valuable solutions, so is not easy. Read and examine the brief very carefully and make a lot of research. Last but not least, create with all your skills, passion, heart and soul.

Lidoska The Woman
What do you do when you’re not painting nor working as an art director?
I spend time relaxing with my husband and close friends. I read novels and history books and I go swimming twice a week.

Nice meeting you Lidoska and best of luck for the future!