Artist conversations // Mirta Arbini
Mirta Arbini is an illustrator and printmaker working in the hills of Lake Como, Italy.
Since discovering printmaking during a graphics course a decade ago, Mirta has been on a journey of experimentation and expression. Under the name Modern Botanics, Mirta makes work from small, unnoticed things - often collected from walks in the woods or on the beach.
I love Mirta’s gentle and playful approach to life - taking joy in its seasons, embracing change.
Where did the name Modern Botanics originate?
It came to me a few years back when I was moving from the city to this little calm village. I’ve always loved botanical drawings, but I wanted to add a modern twist to it. My practice shifted when we moved here - the surrounding nature and slow living inspired me hugely.
When my son was born, my art practice slowed down and became permeated by a new sense, a new power. Thanks to my curious boy I’ve started noticing little things I wouln’t see before and I’m still trying to capture those in my art.
Can you tell me a bit about your practice? What does it look like at the moment and why is it important to you?
My art practice is growing every day, it became my full time job four years ago and it’s what keeps me connect to my true self. My practice is evolving and so am I.
I’m going through a lot of experimentation in the past few months, this is a little scary at times but vital for my art and myself. Process is becoming more important than the final product.
What is it about printmaking that you love?
I love everything about the process of printmaking, from the drawing part to the carving and the printing. Carving is very meditative and probably my favourite part. In the past few months I’ve also been enjoying the inking, because I’ve started printing in colours and mixing my own inks to find the right hue - it’s a very enjoyable part of the process. I love that each print can be a little different from the other.
In what ways does the place you live influence your work?
Lake Como has a huge influence on both my work and the way we live. We spend lots of time outdoors - the woods are just behind our home. We have a wild garden and we tend to our vegetable patch, trying to be self-sustained as much as possible. The shapes, colours and textures around us end up in my work.
Do you have any creative rituals or routines that you live by?
My studio time is in the mornings, when my son is in pre-school. But my mind is always making up something, when I’m walking in the woods with my son or we go to the local beach and we pick up things, some of those became part of my new work. Most times I’m carrying a notepad with me and a pencil or something to quickly sketch or write down. I love visiting art shows and discovering tiny old villages.
When I feel uninspired and tired and I need a new direction, I go for a solitary long walk up in the woods or I try out some new technique in my studio. Usually the feeling lasts only for a few days.
How do you balance the act of making with making a living from your work?
The balance between my art practice and making a living from it is sometimes quite difficult, especially because I have a child to care for. For this reason I’ve branched out and I teach workshops and courses in person and online. I’ve also started offering digital reproductions of some of my bestselling pieces and I’m looking forward to expanding my wholesale base.
How can we see more of your practice?
Via my Modern Botanics website, or on Instagram and Pinterest. I also launched a Patreon this year, where I offer a sketching club and printmaking courses.