Artist Spotlight: Cinzia Bruschini
For our next Artist Spotlight we caught up with Cinzia Bruschini and talked film, personal projects, Italy and more. Enjoy!
IFL -When did you get started in photography?
CB - Photography appeared in my life at a late stage, in my mid-twenties. I used to take pictures with toy cameras and polaroids, then I bought some 6x6 cameras and I did pretty well with a digital entry level Canon. I wasn't interested in gear or technical stuff as is the case now! I started to go to exhibitions more frequently and read biographical books about the photographers who caught my attention. It was a beautiful place where I could hide myself, my fears and my rage. It wasn’t a hobby but a sort of therapy.
IFL - So film...why shoot it?
CB - Definitively the approach, the colors, the anticipation... However I finally shot film because it has become exciting for me. It keeps my attention to photography high. It's enough!
IFL - Have you always wanted to be a photographer?
CB -When I was a child I wanted to be a soubrette, at 17 a rock star ... during my twenties I wanted to be a nomad, a traveller ... At 27 all I wanted was "to have a job”... with a degree in Law I started to work in event organization industry (mostly gigs) then in the communication area, for some fashion companies. I have loved every job I have done. But I always wanted something more. Now I feel like I have found what I was looking for.
IFL - Do you think it is important to shoot personal projects?
CB -Yes absolutely. During the first 3 years of my photography business I didn’t shoot anything which wasn’t wedding related. No regrets. This is the way I usually work when I approach something new. I want to know about and how to do (almost) everything. Finally I was able to return to shooting portraits last year. It's something I love. Next step is to improve my skills in long term projects. It will be a challenge!
IFL - So you're based in Italy, do travel for work as well? Where do you go?
CB -I travel across Italy and Europe but I am planning to be more nomadic in the next 2 years. Maybe move somewhere ...
IFL - What gets you excited or inspired?
CB -I'm always inspired by films. I was about to sell my 24mm when I saw Terrence Malick’s “To the wonder”... and of course I didn't sell it! I love how Wes Anderson is able to mix poetry and irony as well as the power of imagination of Michael Gondry. Of course the Italian cinema of Pasolini, Bertolucci, Visconti and Fellini has had a great influence on my vision. These are films that I usually re-watch. Watching films helps me to get some answers that seeing photos wouldn't be able to do.
IFL - If you could photograph anybody or anything in the world, at any time in history, who/what would it be?
CB -Take a flight to the Chelsea Hotel during the Sixties.
