Creative Spotlight | Irma Calabrese

Published on 09 June 2021

Tell us a bit about who you are and what kind of creative work you make.
I am a multi-disciplinary artist. I have been working simultaneously as a set/ production designer for film and theatre, interior designer, photographer and artist for 20 years.

When I’m not working, I explore nature, urban spaces, human relationships, interactions, intimacy, nostalgia and entanglement which has led to my most recent work in single line drawing series “Don’t Let Go”.

Whereabouts do you look for creative ideas? Who or what inspires you?
A lot of my creative inspiration comes from daily life observations, human psychology, human interaction, personal experiences and travel. There is an inexhaustible wealth of inspiration in different cultures, taboos, diversity and our need for connection. While a lot of useful information can be found on social media, I enjoy flicking through the books in my extensive personal library for reference or if I ever feel stuck for ideas.

What creative project are you working on at the moment?
The newly created Instagram account @irmauniverse is a lead up to an immersive / interactive exhibition idea which I will be developing for the remainder of this year. I am currently creating a series of figurative drawings and photo portraits. 

Also, I am working on a set design for a Deadhouse immersive theatre production.

What’s your favourite part of working as an artist / creative?
I am never bored and I find it exciting to apply different skills and techniques across a multitude of art and design projects. I enjoy working in solitude as a visual artist, but at the same time I appreciate the collaboration of multiple creative minds and cast and crew working on a film or theatre set.

What’s the most challenging part of working as an artist / creative?
It is incredibly difficult to make people realise that being an artist / creative is a job, which requires years of studies, hard work and consistency. The art and design is everywhere around us, yet it cannot compete with other professions when it comes to fees, funding, government support etc.  

Where can we find out more about your work and get in touch?
Websites: irmacalabresephotography.com & irmacalabrese.com
Instagram: instagram.com/irmauniverse
Blue Thumb: bluethumb.com.au/irma-calabrese