Our February muse is English-Italian artist, illustrator, and ceramicist, the wonderful Chiara Perano. From morning pages to slow, thoughtful living, the Italian way, Chiara shares what will be inspiring her this year.
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When do you feel motivated creatively or otherwise?
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I feel my most creative when I’m at my art studio with a clear space, great music on, incense burning, and after I’ve ticked all the admin off my to do list. Then I feel that I can truly relax into the process and create my art. Art shops always get me motivated to make something beautiful, especially if I find something super interesting - yesterday I picked up some old chinese calligraphy brushes which are very fun to experiment with, as you get such beautiful organic brush strokes. I’m into learning new things too, taking courses, discovering new ways to be creative or move or nurture myself.
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I’m motivated being around other creative people aswell, I love discussing ideas, possibilities, collaborations, things flow effortlessly. For that reason I am thrilled to be setting up a new group for creative women to support each other and collaborate this year.
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How do you start your day? What does your morning routine look like?
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I’ve been working on a proper morning routine recently and it makes me so much calmer, and let’s be honest with 2 children under 5 the last few years have been a complete juggle and usually unpredictable.
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I’m really into morning pages which is a practise by Julia Cameron of writing down all the noise in your head as soon as you wake up, so that you can focus your energy on the good and important stuff throughout the day. It’s working - (when I manage it). I like to have breakfast with my children, in the summer outside. Some body movement if possible, and dry body brushing before a shower. Sometimes me and my daughter have a little dance while we’re getting changed, I just put on the radio and see what comes on, yesterday it was S Club 7, it’s silly and fun.
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When you look at the fashion/creative landscape, who inspires you and how do you think they're shaping culture now?
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I feel like there is a shift as art is crossing boundaries between painting, fashion, interiors, floristry, writing. Who is to say how things should be done, people are turning inwards and expressing themselves, discovering their own creativity, and you can begin doing this at anytime. Rick Rubin’s book ‘A Creative Act’ is a great starting point. Asking more questions - where do my materials come from, is it sustainable, does it help people, is it good for the planet, does it make me happy…
A collaboration by Gucci for Milan Fashion week said, ‘Act as if what you do makes a difference, IT DOES’.
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What is most exciting to you about this year?
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I have been selected for two really cool group art shows, and I’m having my first duo show in London! I’m looking forward to having my new paintings out there in the world. After the last few years juggling small children, leaving London and starting a whole new life by the sea, plus a full house renovation, I feel like I am finally finding time to be creative and develop my practise, with thing slowly moving in the right direction, I’m excited. I’m booked in to paint a couple of murals already this year, this is something I love doing, as I feel it can influence the whole feel of a room and that is such a privilege.
I’m also planning my first trip with my husband without our children, long, long overdue. Really, excited for late night dinner and lay ins.
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There is so much to watch beyond social media, the way we all consume content is constantly evolving. What are your thoughts on how people are consuming content and inspiration now?
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I’ve seen a lot of people taking big breaks from social media, some quitting it entirely, with an aim to gain inspiration from other sources and real life, questioning if we really need to know everything, all the time, is that healthy? It can be overwhelming and hard to know whether you’ve been subconsciously influenced to like or try a particular thing, so I do think spending time offline and being fully present in real life experiences in full is the best way to engage in authentic content. Like all things I think it’s about balance and moderation. I’m into audio books and podcasts too, I listen to loads while I am in the studio, I love hearing people tell their stories. I’m trying to simplify, not overcomplicate.
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Song that never fails to lift your mood?
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Robyn - Dancing on my own.
My daughter declared it her favourite song aged 3, and I have so many happy memories of it over the years.
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Your favourite possession and the story behind it?
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I completely love my engagement ring, and being antique it feels irreplaceable. An engraved date can be just made out on the inside, ending in ‘85, which is 100 years before I was born, so it feels like it was meant for me.
A slightly larger possession, our new beach hut is my favourite place to be right now, I’m dreaming of long summer days, swims and beach bbqs.
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If you could visit anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be?
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Tomorrow take me to somewhere blissful and warm like Bali, it’s been a long cold winter.
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Tell us something you're passionate about that we might not already know…
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I’m half Italian and super passionate about the slow and savouring way of life that they do so beautifully over there. I’m into all the cliches from coffee to homemade pasta, eating seasonally, and sitting at the table with friends and wine til the candles burn down. Living slowly and intentionally. This year I’ve committed to a monthly gathering where we sit by the fire, talk and make; celebrating nature’s calendar. It’s an insanely simple ancestral practise, but almost meditative to be part of.
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How would you style the - pink dress?
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I love the print so much and the dress can work all the seasons. Over my swimming costume in the summer with handmade leather sandals from a beautiful atelier here in Hastings (https://warpandweftoldtown.com ), and with a big cosy Jaggery knit, thick woolen socks from Straw London, and DMs in the winter.
