What is the best thing that I love about my work? What is my idea of perfect happiness?

The thing I like the most is that it’s a continous research, a perpetual exploring and learning new and different things, aware that one only life isn’ t sufficient.

What is my greatest fear?

It’s that I could be forced not to work as an artist.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

To be embarrassed talking about money.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

There are lots of people I admire, here you are some names: Robert Longo, William Kentridge, Gerhard Richter, Anselm Kiefer, Kara Walker

What is my greatest extravagance?

It’s the fact that I’m always on time at the meetings.

On what occasion would I lie?

I should never lie because if I tell the truth then I’m in peace with my self. Anyway it’s a big topic and as we use to say: “It’s better lie at the right moment than tell the truth at the wrong moment”.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

Unfulfilled agreements and commitments.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

There have been many different moments in which I have been really happy of my work, but I may synthesize some of them in three different places and years: June 1998 Paris, Jardin de la , Tuileries, during the opening of a big event with some of my rubber sculptures. In 2001 during the opening of my own art exhibition at Fondazione Mudima and in 2007 in Florence during the opening of my art exhibition at Frittelli arte contemporanea.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

It’s a very long matter, but I think I wouldn’ t change anything about myself.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

When my work is liked and it is sold.

What do the words ‘The Financial Freedom to Create’ mean to me?

The possibility to realize everything I think.

Where would I most like to live?

Paris

What is my most treasured possession?

See the little things

What is my most marked characteristic?

I’m tall and really thin.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

Generally I find it stimulating to go to the openings of exhibitions in different places of the town. There I always meet friends and colleagues I like to talk to with. Anyway, according to me, the most stimulating moment is when I walk with my dog in the early morning through the streets of my city, that is still asleep and silent. It’s in this moment that I’m able to give order to my thoughts, to organize my day and work my projects out.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?

I like to have lunch in two different places, both in the center of Florence: “Sabatino” and “Nella”

What books influenced my life and how?

The books which have mostly influenced my life are several and it would be difficult to list them all, but I’m really grateful to Franz Kafka “Metamorphosis”, to George Orwell “1984”, Tommaso Landolfi “Il mar delle blatte” and to Alfred Kubin “L’altra parte”. The list could surely continue, but now these ones comes to my mind. Every book has deeply influenced my life and my work.

Who are my favorite writers?

Omero, Miguel De Cervantes, Jack London, Franz Kafka, Joseph Conrad, Jorge Louis Borges, Tommaso Landolfi, Goffredo Parise, James Graham Ballard, Alfred Kubin, Primo Levi, Friedrich Durrenmat, Agota Kristoph, Josè Saramago and many others.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

Speak Low, Charlie Haden’s version with the voice of Kurt Weil in the record: September Song

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Ulysses

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, El Greco, Nelson Mandela, Josè Mujica, Gino Strada, Walter Bonatti, Giovanni Falcone e Paolo Borsellino.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Les Quatre Cents Coups by Francoise Truffaut

What role plays art in my life and work?

In both my life and my work it’s fundamental, since I live thanks to art.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My wife, my daughters, some friends and some collectors.

Whom would I like to work with in 2018?

Massimiliano Gioni

What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on?

The project that I’m working to at the moment: a series of tribute paintings to the books very important for my life.

Where can you see me or my work in 2018?

In this moment my paintings are presented in a group show at ZetaEffe Gallery in Florence.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

I answer quoting Francesco Rosi:” Passion is that interior beast which doesn’t give you relief until you will close your eyes forever”

Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?

Their names are: Marco Pace, Raffaello Becucci, Walter Puppo.

How can you contact me?

I’ve got a web site, www.lucamatti.it and I’m on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Linkedln, Google+, or you can contact me on: info@lucamatti.it