We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carolina Nuñez Bussolini a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carolina, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
Earning a full-time living as an artist has been a long and rewarding journey for me. I have always had the encouragement and support of my husband to make the decision to pursue my dream. The world of art requires passion, determination, patience, commitment, and a constant ability to adapt. It also involves achieving personal and professional goals, maintaining motivation, and being flexible. Often, countless hours of work are invested, and doubts arise about whether we are on the right path.
Being an independent artist demands discipline and perseverance, without giving in to adversity. We must assume multiple roles, from creating artworks to promoting them on social media, playing the roles of salespeople, packagers, and couriers. Additionally, it is necessary to apply for participation in art fairs, often paying a fee without a guarantee of being selected.
The task of an artist also includes creating digital catalogs, taking photographs of the artworks, and posting them on our website, with precise details such as dimensions, techniques used, materials employed, and prices. Maintaining contacts with physical and virtual galleries is crucial to expand our reach and visibility.
Furthermore, in today’s art world, it is essential to stay updated and adapt to new technologies and trends. This includes exploring opportunities in the realm of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI).
In summary, being an artist involves much more than creating artworks; it is a journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and constant learning in which we must be artists, entrepreneurs, and advocates for our own work.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, my name is Carolina Nuñez Bussolini, and I was born in Argentina. I am a visual artist. My connection with art began at an early age; I always sought any available scrap of paper to paint on. Since then, I have felt a profound passion for art. When I sit in front of a blank canvas, I find inspiration in music and nature. I let myself be carried away by sounds and colors, surrendering completely to the unique moment of creating a work of art. In my creations, I employ various techniques and materials, and I am constantly exploring and learning. This includes creating sculptures from recycled materials and the exciting exploration of digital art. From the very first moment I held a brush, it was clear to me that my style was abstract art, a constant source of fascination. In my perspective, colors represent manifestations of energy, and I enjoy blending them, merging them, and experimenting with them. My goal is to bring new creations into the world, unique works of art that can have as many interpretations as there are people who contemplate them.
I have always had the desire for my works of art to become fashion accessories, and after many hours of work, my collection of silk scarves incorporating some of my creations was born. I have been painting for many years, and my first 70 works were created on small canvas frames with oil paints.
It was only in 2017 that I decided to start selling my works. To do so, I began working on larger formats and primarily using acrylics, allowing me to incorporate vibrant colors and new techniques. My art is frequently exhibited in the Argentine art scene and in other countries. In 2018, I was a finalist in the Global Art Awards in Dubai, being the only Argentine representative in the competition. I am also a member of the Association of Contemporary Art Curators and I market my works through my website, at fairs, and through galleries.
In March 2022, my husband, my daughter, and I moved to Minnesota, specifically to Woodbury. After living here for a year and a half, I have begun to find opportunities to revive my artistic career in the United States, collaborating with companies and interior designers, and planning my participation in the art fair calendar for 2023/24.
One of the significant activities that allowed me to do this was a project for 3M in October 2022, commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month. This project involved the collaboration of employees in creating the artwork “The Union,” whose central idea is the unity and intersection of Hispanic communities in a common place. It was a unique and wonderful experience.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, being an artist means having the opportunity to express myself freely through various materials, mediums, and techniques. It involves interpreting my essence artistically, experimenting with new forms, dimensions, and colors. It’s about being attuned to color, feeling a unique and irreplaceable connection with the artwork, sensing the vibrations of colors throughout my entire body, and knowing when the piece is complete.
Throughout this symbolic and creative process, I experience new sensations and emotions, which I wholeheartedly pour into my work with every fiber of my being and my soul. I allow myself to flow with the music, liberating my thoughts and forms to enhance my creativity and unleash my imagination.
Once the artwork is finished, I take immense pleasure in sharing it with others and discovering the myriad interpretations and emotions it evokes in the viewer.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I always wanted to study Fine Arts, but many people told me it wasn’t a viable career. So, at the time, I chose to study Economics first and then Architecture. Working full-time, my course schedules became complicated, which later led me to change my path and graduate in Public Relations from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. I worked in various companies for 15 years and also trained in alternative medicine, including Reiki and gemotherapy. In my free time, I attended various art workshops, and painting became my hobby. All these career changes allowed me to engage with thousands of books and topics. I’m a very curious person, I’m passionate about all human knowledge, but most importantly, I wanted to learn and discover myself. To understand who I am and why I’m here. With these profound questions, my journey led me to explore many religions, philosophical thoughts, hermetic knowledge, and ancient symbolism. Some of my favorite books include “The Kybalion,” “Concerning the Spiritual in Art” by Kandinsky, “On the Bauhaus,” “On Pedagogical Thought,” and “Universal Reiki.”
At some point on my journey, many years ago, my partner encouraged me to return to what I love so much: “PAINTING.” I realized that I had to be the “Artist I always wanted to be” and fully commit to this passion I cherish. I will never give up, and I will continue on this path, no matter how challenging it may be, to introduce my artworks to the world. Over the years, with the constant support of my family, I have been able to dedicate 100% of my time to being an artist. I love what I do.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carolinanunezbussolini.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artcncuadros
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artcncuadros
Image Credits
Carolina Nuñez Bussolini