Paul Zimmerman in conversation with Maria Teresa Guala
Paul Zimermman: You were born in the artistic family. Tell us about your background.
Maria Teresa Guala: I am coming from a notable family of artists Monferrato (exactly Acqui Terme). My father was painter, designer and advertiser (curator of TO-Esposizioni-Italia ’61). The same for my uncle and cousins, my grandfather was a wood sculptor. After my extensive research in the church archives I found that my ancestor Pier Francesco Guala (1700) was an important artist in that period.
PZ: How did you become interested in art?
MTG: I became interested in art when I was a child and received many awards
PZ: How did your studies at the Turin’s Albertina Academy shape your practice?
MTG: During 1960s I studied languages and attended lessons at Accademia Albertina drawing nudes and still-life in the studio of Prof. Filippo Scroppo who recommended me to become a scene painter.
PZ: Where do you find inspiration for your paintings?
MTG: I draw inspiration from reading newspapers, magazines and art books and a lot of imagination.
PZ: Which artists influenced you?
MTG: Picasso, Miro and Matisse.
PZ: How would you describe your style?
MTG: An abstract expressionist.
Bicycle, 2016, acrylic on canvas, 20” x 27″
PZ: What are you working on now?
MTG: I would like to paint something ecclesiastic.
PZ: How do you create your paintings?
MTG: Spontaneously, it depends from the moment. When I am inspired, I give everything up and run to paint.
PZ: What are your next projects?
MTG: A solo exhibition at Castello Miradolo near Turin with Prof. Sgarbi and GAM Turin.
PZ: Does this pandemic impact your work and sensibility?
MTG: During the lockdown I was more inspired: silence, less traffic, less pollution… I live near an important park and I have seen the return of seagulls, swallows and other creatures.