About Graphite
Cecilia Bellini, aka Graphite, was born in Rome (b.1983) and raised through Rome and the Umbrian countryside.
Her hand draws to expand borders of reality through sketchy lines and vibrant colors that reflect both fragile and intense emotions. Cecilia’s path finds its goal in harmonious contrast, that is to say, the constant search for emotions, using decomposition and synthesis to look for a beginning or an end.
Although she grew up in a family of architects and journalists, she considers herself self-taught. Suffering from dyslexia, she approached drawing as a medium to express her emotions visually.
We met her for an exclusive interview during which she explained more about her training and creative process.
Hello Cecilia! Can you briefly describe what you do and tell us something more about your technique?
I draw, and the pencil is my favorite tool. Then, I also often experiment with new techniques and materials, but at the moment, I’m typically using watercolor and colored pencils. I also sometimes use digital media.
And what drives you to make art?
It’s part of me, my way of communicating and expressing what I have inside as I am a very introverted person. Drawing is something that is part of me; it is a necessary condition, like breathing.
As a curious person, drawing teaches me many things, it concentrates me, bringing me into a world of my own.
And how long have you been working in this field?
Professionally, it’s only since a few years.
Let’s speak of inspiration. Which artists mainly affect your work?
I will summarize because otherwise, I would not finish answering as I take a cue from anything and any artistic field.
Egon Sciele, Cassegrain, Jordi Lafebre, Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani, Matisse – and all the Impressionists, Giotto, Kandinskij, Mondrian, Salgado… and the list goes on and on!
And is there something else outside visual arts that inspires your practice?
Everything. Literally.
How would you like people to engage with your work?
I’m not sure I have an answer. I want to be understood, and I would like the purpose of my work to be understood and appreciated.
I think this will mean growing on a personal level because having people understand my work will also mean they will understand me. To me, It will intend to be able to communicate with the world.
Do you have anything exciting on the horizon?
I am organizing an exhibition that will take place before Christmas, and am also collaborating with a publishing house for a graphic novel.
I recently founded 140 COTON (for more info, go to www.140coton.com), whose idea is to make ‘art in motion,’ art that comes to life.
Finally, I am collaborating with Nove Onlus and Ciomod, taking care of the graphics about a chocolate store and whose profits will go to a charity foundation.
Last question, a big one. Where do you see yourself in the future?
I am very demanding, so my goals are always very high, almost unattainable, and ideal. But this allows me always to give my best.
To discover more about Graphite1983, follow her on Instagram or go here.
