Get inspired to transform ‘trash’ into treasure by getting to know Sicilian artist, Viviana Satta (@legno_alla_deriva). She collects driftwood and other oceanic waste and upcycles them into amazing, 3D art pieces. Learn all about her dreams and passions down below!

When was the last time you had a buzz after you created something?

I put all my heart and soul into every creation I make – it's always exciting, fun and rewarding to give a second life to waste that would otherwise have decomposed and polluted nature.

How do you come up with creative ideas?

Often the idea starts from the waste or piece of wood that I find on the beach. For example, if I find ropes, I automatically think about the tentacles of an octopus or a jellyfish, or even the tuft of a bird. Brushes or pieces of plastic bottles become the fins of a fish! As a base I almost always use driftwood, and often it is the shape of the wood that tells me what it will transform into. It's kind of hard to explain... I can tell you it’s all about feelings!

What would you do if you had infinite time and money?

I dream of being able to travel the world, discover new cultures, learn something new every day and bring my projects around the world!  If I had infinite money, I would definitely try to clean the oceans and our mother Earth from all the pollution we have created. I hope that there will be greater awareness and respect in the future!

We know you’re into DIY driftwood projects! What’s another art medium that you’d like to explore more?

Working with clay has always fascinated me a lot. I soon hope to start exploring and experimenting with this new passion!

What’s a creative habit you had to unlearn?

Rushing to achieve. Typically, I want to immediately transform what I have in my mind into reality. Unfortunately, there are technical times to respect and though I am not very patient with these things, I am learning!

What’s a creative project you’ve done that you weren’t sure how it would turn out?

My Frank Zappa's sculpture!

It was a great challenge to create a sculpture resembling the real Frank Zappa (as much as possible!). Again and again, I found myself having to start over because the "wooden head" I was using didn't have the right shape, I kept sawing it, sanding it and perfecting it but I could never see the resemblance to Frank.

One day, while walking on the beach, I found a piece of wood that was exactly what I was looking for: the elongated head of Frank Zappa 😀 I didn't even have to modify it, it was perfect just as I found it! Back in the lab, I replaced the head, put on the hair (a fruit net) and sunglasses (cut from a piece of plastic) and there he was – wooden Frank Zappa! The greatest satisfaction was the joy and amazement of the person who purchased the sculpture, it filled my heart!

If you had no time frame, what would you love to create?

I've actually wanted to recreate Picasso's Guernica for a long time... in real size!

Who knows if I will ever succeed in this endeavour! I remember that when I saw this giant, stunning and amazing artwork live in Madrid, it aroused so many emotions in me… so much so that I started to cry! I would love to be able to pay homage to such an extraordinary work.

What period or decade would you go back to for creative inspiration?

The Surrealism and Cubism periods would be a huge inspiration for me to visit!

How does being a social media artist influence what you make?

Being a social media artist profoundly influences what you do in several ways. You must constantly produce original and engaging content to keep your audience interested. This stimulates your creativity but also requires careful planning and time management. 

You get instant feedback from your followers, which can be motivating and helpful in improving your work. However, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety, especially if you receive negative criticism.

You also become the manager of your personal brand. You must learn to promote yourself and your work effectively, using digital marketing strategies and building a coherent, recognisable image. Furthermore, social media allows direct communication with your audience.  The world of social media is constantly evolving. You need to stay updated on the latest trends, platforms and algorithms to stay relevant and visible.

Being a social media artist involves a combination of creativity, marketing and audience interaction. It influences how you create and promote your work and requires careful management of your time and resources to maximize the impact and success of your online presence.

Where do you like to go to unwind?

I just need to observe, listen and breathe the sea to relax my body and mind. The sea is my medicine!

Wow, we don’t know about you, but we feel like hitting the beach and getting creative! Nature is here to inspire us and Viviana has shown us what beauty is to be found.

See more about @legno_alla_deriva by checking out our gallery, where her art journey is featured. Stock up on crafty supplies like Glue, Deco Pudge, and, Paints to start upcycling now! If you feel inspired to create, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!

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