I am in search of freedom, and it’s led me to filmmaking, painting, singing. I’ve lived many lifetimes already in this lifetime and I’m in the pursuit of happiness, joy and freedom, and trying to understand what it means to be human and a woman and just to be, and sometimes I’ll create a fantastical, colorful, escapist world whether that’s in painting or in filmmaking. Vittoria Colonna
Occasionally I like to take the podcast to my guests, and I was overjoyed when multi-talented artist Vittoria Colonna, invited me into her studio to record this week’s episode. Vittoria’s atelier is a magical space that is the essence of her very being. It’s full of her brightly colored works of art, there’s always music playing and a tea waiting for you, and the air smells of sage, lavender or dragon blood (more on that below).
Join us for some great stories and reflections on the creative process, finding meaning in art and beauty, growing up between two countries and cultures, and what it’s like to be an artist in today’s world.
I also ask Vittoria about her current and future projects, her travels and practice and teaching of Kundalini yoga, and the ancient purifying ritual of smudging, used by indigenous cultures the world over, and which inspired her brilliant pop shamanic SOS Emergency Purification kits.
Biography
Named after her Renaissance ancestor, poetess, and muse to Michelangelo Buonarroti, Vittoria Colonna carries a strong lineage in the world of art.
Growing up between Ireland and Italy, Vittoria studied painting in Rome’s Accademia di Belle Arti, trained as an opera singer in Tuscany, and then continued in the performing arts at Dublin’s world-famous gaiety school of acting.
Afterward, she decided to focus her multiple talents within the genres of writing and directing, winning international acclaim for her feature documentary identities focused on gender identity, of which the performance art pieces were selected as part of the worldwide Italian pavilion at the 54th international art exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2011. Her personal dramatic memoir Sandboy qualified for an Oscar nomination and her wicked dark comedy, 4 Bhanríon (4 Queens) swept international festivals.
Amongst her body of work, Vittoria has directed numerous award-winning music videos picking up an Irish music television award and winning the Las Vegas international award as well as the Golden Palm at the Mexico International Film Festival.
A strong advocate for women in the arts globally, Vittoria became a world women hour 2020 honoree #shesmyhero for empowering change through her work in the arts and entertainment.
Links
https://www.colonnavittoria.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjUBE_kWHOoDxJcMjdKmRcQ
https://www.facebook.com/VittoriaColonnaStudio#
https://www.instagram.com/vittoriacolonnastudio
Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis
Production Interns: Giada Ciampi, Ava Lees & RJ Plunkett