Tell us a bit about yourself. Who you are, where you’re from and what you do.

My name is Carole Turini. Of French and Italian origins, I live in Switzerland, in Geneva, and speak … french.

Analog collage artist and photographer, I am «passionately curious». I work as a manager in part-time administration and my son Vincent, 21, flies now on his own. My boyfriend, musician and painter, founded and runs an Art School.

How did you get your start as an artist?

It is the argentic photography and the practice of the darkroom, in the 90s, that have been for me a real artistic revelation. I was then a student in art history at the University. It was also at that time that I made my first collages, analog of course!

Then photography occupied my free time for many years in parallel with my professional life in the world of fashion. At the end of last summer, I finally resumed the collage with the layout of my CT curious workshop, an inspiring and conducive place to create.

What do you love most about what you do?

First of all, creation and art are essential to my balance. I love telling stories and creating imaginary worlds. The beauty of an image, its poetry and it’s evocative power fascinates me. Collage offers endless possibilities. It allows to reach a possible world of impossible. It is an extension of my love for surrealism, in literature as in painting, with Breton, Dalí or Magritte.

Lewis Caroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” is also a huge source of inspiration for me.

What do you find the most challenging?

Being able to stop is a constant challenge ! Because I can spend hours and hours flipping through magazines and cutting them up …

Finding the right balance between the aesthetic (“beautiful”) side of the collage and its meaning, message or short story is also important to me.

When things get tough, where do you find the inspiration to keep moving forward?

Sometimes you have to take a little break, watch a movie, read a book, see some friends … and buy new magazines!

Who is someone you admire most and why?

I discovered the communities and collectives of collagists only a few months ago and I was totally amazed by the benevolent and enthusiastic spirit that reigns there. That is very motivating.

Exploring the creations of other artists is rewarding. Among other things, I love the collages of multidisciplinary Mexican artist Yolanda Lopez (@yolis___). It is beautiful, poetic, original and full of meanings.

Tell me something unusual that makes you happy.

It’s not an unusual thing, it’s a special feature. I love to wander around the bookstores for hours and hours. It relaxes me, like a meditation. I always end up buying a book and, as a result, I could open a bookstore myself (one of mydreams actually).

Anything weird on your bucket list?

I don’t see anything strange, except that I would like to travel and go especially to NYC. It’s a weird project right now, but I hope soon, it’ll be something just normal.

Top three songs you keep on repeat?

Let’s Dance - David Bowie

Sweet dreams – Eurythmics

Gett Off - Prince

Podcast you can’t get enough of?

The podcasts on the art of France Culture are fascinating.

How do you fuel for the day?

I love having breakfast in my veranda which is so bright and cosy. I drink a coffee from my Italian coffee maker and eat a bircher with fresh fruits.

Tell us about your vision for the future. Go big! We want to root you on!

Firstly, I would love to publish a book, a mix about collages, art, lifestyle and photography. Some day, for sure !

My biggest dream would be to open a concept store with a library, a gallery, and a meeting place. It’s so nice to exchange ideas over coffee and pastry.

But I have a nice project that will come true soon. I will lead a workshop with a friend combining writing and collage. So exciting !

Carole Turini | @bymisscarole

Carole Turini Interview