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 You may have seen Anita’s Pettinato artwork on Big Brother in 2008, or more recently at the official 2011 Mardi Gras Gallery. Either way it’s not hard to miss with its strong sense of self. Anita definetly has the attitude of a natural born artist with something to say — she’s bold, brash and right in your face. There is no telling her what she can and can’t do that’s for sure. In between painting and her busy exhibition schedule we found a little time to chat to her about art and life.
Hi Anita, you’ve been making quite the splash on the art scene over the past few years — is painting your full time gig?
I’m ecstatic with how the demand for my art has been powering over the years. I paint most days, although this is not the only hat I wear. I also practice two days a week as a dental professional. I consider my dental skills to be just like art - sculpture for teeth!
Do you remember when you first starting painting?
In 2001 I started painting for fun. I threw a piece of calico on the floor with some paints and brushes that I bought on a whim. From here an art anarchy obsession was born. I continue to create based on passion and vision. I’m self taught so it’s purely instinctual.
How much does your sexuality determine what you paint?
Hmmm, that’s a good question! I’m not sure how to answer it because it’s something I don’t consciously think about. Subconsciously, I am sure it’s playing a major role.
You describe your work as lurid and lewd with ‘No Rules’. Is that just for shock value or does it go deeper than that?
‘No Rules’ is in no way an intentionally designed shock strategy. Anyone who knows me well, are fully aware it’s just how I roll. There’s no stage production, it’s the genuine me! I think it has something to do with my strict religious upbringing (go figure!), that now has me taking great delight in doing whatever I want! Hence the rebellious ‘No Rules’ rule was born! As for lurid and lewd, I feel these terms sum up my work perfectly — dominated by vivid colour and preoccupied with sexual desire. You won’t find frangipanis here people!
You say your four main artistic inspirations are: people, sex, music and a good drink — which is your favourite?
Oh shite, this is a hard one to answer. If you gave me only two seconds to respond, the first thing to hit my mind would be sex for sure! But, with a bit of thought I would have to honestly say that music trumps sex. Great music is the only constant that inspires me daily! You can always rely on great music, the same cannot be said for great sex (what a bitch!) Chuckle. Without music my creative mojo would be non-existent.
I’ve noticed that your art is of both girls and guys, what does that tell us about you... do you prefer working with female images?
I am inspired by the energies of both genders but in different ways. You will notice that my paintings of males project music and dance, which excites me. There is nothing sexier than a hot man on stage, behind an instrument, or busting out on the dance floor. My paintings of females are almost always of a sexual nature. I do prefer working with females in this way, they exude a sexual energy that I feel no male could ever top. The power of the female form is a force to be reckoned with!
Having your art in the Big Brother house must have been quite the coup. How did that come about?
Big Brother was definitely a great platform for my art and launched me quite nicely into the public arena. The exposure was a godsend. The opportunity came about after a friend recommended my work to the shows art director.
More recently you exhibited at Mardi Gras, what type of response did you get from the community?
Even in the early days of my art career, I found the community always connected well with my artwork. Exhibiting in the official Mardi Gras Gallery was an overwhelmingly positive experience. I was well chuffed to have had one of my pieces, ‘S-Excess’ chosen as the face of event promotions too.
So what can we expect from Anita Pettinato next?
More musings of the debauched, romantic, erotic, electric, psychosexual, psychedelic kind...followed by world domination! Muahahaha.
If you had three wishes what would they be?
Love and happiness to all in the universe, a never-ending supply of music and paint, and hot sex daily of course! Dang, that’s four wishes... I suck with limitations!
Anita is a self taught artist, an Oral Health Therapist and a mother. She describes her ever evolving work as a mix of ‘Modern, Abstract, Retro and Pop Art’. Her ‘No Rules’ mantra never fails to inspire a unique painting.
Anita’s Top Ten!
- Favourite Movie: Cheech & Chong’s Nice Dreams. I love a good belly laugh.
- Favorite Actor & Actress: The talented Adrien Brody and sultry Scarlett Johansson. Sex on a stick!!!
- Favorite Piece of Art: I have a prosthetic leg collaged with the faces of the coolest musicians, designed by music photographer, Matt Palmer. I picked it up in Brisbane and it’s now hanging in my lounge room. My friends are a bit freaked out by it, but I really love it!
- Favourite Politician: Who, What?
- Favourite Food: Sushi
- Favourite Toy: Hehehe... all I’m going to say is thanks Doc Johnson, you’re a genius!
- Favourite Holiday Spot: Melbourne!
- Favourite Song: I’m currently fixated on a recent discovery being the sounds of Audio Shaman, it’s perfect for driving my creative mojo.
- Favourite Colour: RED! It’s full of fire and power!
- Favourite Quote: ‘A day without laughter is a day wasted.’ by Charlie Chaplin.
Visit Anita’s website at: insceneart.com.au Check out her lastest work at the very funky gallery The Urban Uprising in Sydney. urbanuprising.com.au • Photography by Norm Murray photography.outsidethenorm.com
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