About

My name is Elena Carinelli, and I’m a 21-year-old artist with Italian roots who lives in Switzerland. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to draw—according to my mother, even before I learned to walk. Art has always been a big part of my life.
I developed an interest in art history at a very early age, particularly in the Renaissance, the Baroque, and the Romantic periods. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci were an early inspiration to me, especially his anatomical studies and his ability to combine science and observation in art. My sources of inspiration have broadened over time, but the foundations of classical art still influence me today.

Portrait painting has always fascinated me. I am very interested in human faces and their individuality. Even within a single family, no two people look alike, and yet they share so much in common. It is this uniqueness, combined with my interest in anatomy and expression, that draws me to portrait painting.
A very important influence in my life was my grandmother, who shared a similar interest in history and art. Our bond shaped my artistic journey. About a year ago, her death profoundly changed and shaped my relationship with memories, presence, and absence. That moment in my life led me to reflect more deeply on how we remember people and how those memories evolve over time.

In addition to this personal experience, I have also worked in the field of palliative care. This has given me a human and down-to-earth perspective on life, family, and the significance of loss and memories. To me, death is both deeply human and fascinating. It is something that affects every person, yet it often remains unspoken or is even avoided. I believe it’s important to be able to talk about it more openly. It’s important to acknowledge the emotions associated with it, to allow ourselves to feel and accept them. For me, painting portraits is a way to preserve the presence of those who have passed away. Through painting, I create a new and lasting connection to the person, even though they are no longer physically present.

In a very personal way, painting my grandmother has allowed me to maintain a deeper and lasting connection with her through memory and reflection. Respect, love, and emotional depth characterize my work. Each portrait is created individually, with the intention of capturing not only the person’s appearance but also something of their essence.