Brushstrokes of Inspiration: Inside the Creative World of Alfred Temali

Exploring the Heart, Soul, and Artistic Journey of One of Albania’s Most Passionate Painters- Exclusive interview for Votra Magazine 

Votra Magazine is proud to present an insightful interview with the talented Albanian artist, Alfred Temali. Known for his evocative and emotion-driven works, Alfred draws inspiration from his rich heritage and personal experiences. In this interview, he shares his journey into the world of painting, his creative process, and the influences that have shaped him as an artist.

Votra Magazine: What inspired you to start painting?
Alfred Temali: My first experiences with art were through my grandfather, Zef Temali. He was a master wood carver who regularly collaborated with both local and national museums. He left behind many remarkable works as his legacy. My earliest memories are of his sketches, his tools, and a collection of traditional medical books. For me, entering the room where my grandfather worked was like stepping into a magical world. Besides being an artist, he was also very knowledgeable in orthopedics and helped patients in need. He was a folk healer who was always reading and learning.

Votra Magazine: Which artists have influenced your work the most?
Alfred Temali: Professors like Vladimir Jani, Ismail Lulani, and Lili Çefa were the ones who inspired me the most and are still considered icons of art. There are many others I deeply respect, but these are the ones I had direct contact with, and they gave me so much.

Votra Magazine: What themes do you explore in your paintings? Do you have a preferred medium? What’s your favorite subject to paint?
Alfred Temali: I generally enjoy still life, landscapes, and compositions.

Votra Magazine: Can you describe your creative process from concept to completion? How do you choose your color palette? What role does emotion play in your work? Do you have a specific ritual or routine before you start painting? How does your environment influence your art?
Alfred Temali: I want to emphasize that art cannot be commanded with a button. It’s inspiration. What you see, hear, or touch must bring you a feeling and emotion that pushes you to express what touches your soul through art. Some people have the gift of words, some of music, some of painting. There are no rules, at least not for me. What I feel, I must put on canvas as soon as possible. There’s no ritual, except for preparing the necessary materials to create what I have in mind. I need to have all my paints and different brushes ready. I don’t have a set schedule; there are times I paint for 8-9 hours without stopping. I lose all sense of time and even hunger. I work in an old room that belonged to my grandparents, where I have everything I need. The room is also home to birds, which are another passion of mine. I can’t paint without their songs in the background.

Votra Magazine: How do you deal with artist’s block? How do you stay motivated to paint regularly? How do you stay inspired?
Alfred Temali: I can’t paint continuously. There are days when I can’t work, even though all the conditions are right, because the inspiration isn’t there. I shut everything down, completely disconnect, and focus on other things. I don’t see this block as something negative. It’s more like a “break,” and it helps me reconnect with my social relationships. We need to be in touch with friends and family, have a coffee, or take a short trip. Then everything starts again with fresh energy from where I left off.

Votra Magazine:  How do you know when a painting is finished?
Alfred Temali: When I sign it. That’s it. I look at it, and there’s nothing left to add.

Votra Magazine: What’s your favorite painting technique?
Alfred Temali: I mainly prefer large brushstrokes and the spatula.

Votra Magazine: How do you handle criticism of your work?
Alfred Temali: To be honest, my first reaction to criticism isn’t positive, but it depends a lot on who’s giving it. But regardless, theoretically, criticism is useful. It depends on what good you take from that critique.

Votra Magazine: What is the most challenging part of being a painter? How do you value your own artistic works? What’s the best part of being a painter?
Alfred Temali: First and foremost, it’s about being yourself without being influenced by schemes, standards, or ideologies imposed by social or political trends. I stick to my principles in every aspect of life, including art. It’s essential to be kind to other artists and appreciate their work. I’m not in competition with anyone, and I thank God for giving me this gift. I paint solely for passion and have never been concerned about placing a value on myself. I admire the works of others and know there are many better than me, as well as those who are not as advanced.

Votra Magazine: Do you prefer working in the studio or outdoors?
Alfred Temali: I enjoy both, but I work more in the studio.

Votra Magazine: Can you share an unforgettable experience from your painting career? Have you ever collaborated with other artists?
Alfred Temali: Yes, there was a time when I worked with my sister, Entela Radovani, who is also a painter. We’ve collaborated on projects, and we still exchange ideas and suggestions. I seek her advice and welcome her critique.

Votra Magazine: How has your style evolved over time? Do you experiment with different styles or stick to one?
Alfred Temali: It’s normal for someone to develop over the years, to perfect their skills, study, explore, experiment, fail, and then start again.

Votra Magazine:  What do you hope viewers will take away from your paintings?
Alfred Temali: It would be nice if they could feel the same emotions I felt while creating the work. But that’s too much to ask. I’d be happy if my paintings bring peace and tranquility to their souls or leave a lasting impression.

Votra Magazine:  What are your thoughts on digital painting compared to traditional painting?
Alfred Temali: While digital painting may reach impressive heights, for me, it’s like watching a grave burying true art, emotions, and human feelings. It’s destroying social relationships and genuine communication. We are meant to live in contact with each other and nature, not to be stuck in front of a screen that destroys our brains and our physical and mental health.

Votra Magazine: How do you balance creativity with the business side of art?
Alfred Temali: I’ve never had any issues balancing creativity and the business side of art because even when it’s about business, I only take on work that involves true passion. Business is still a form of art if done correctly.

Votra Magazine: Do you keep a sketchbook or idea journal?
Alfred Temali: I have hundreds of sketches, but I don’t have them cataloged. I keep them in different folders, without dates or titles. Often, I revisit those sketches and look for ideas in them. This is a significant flaw in my work because I don’t have a proper record of all my creations.

Votra Magazine: What’s the best advice you’ve received as an artist?
Alfred Temali: The best advice I’ve received was from my sister, Entela, who told me, “Don’t alter your first stroke because you’ll ruin it if you do.” My daughter, Iden, who is also an artist, gave me a similar piece of advice: “Don’t destroy what you’ve created.” Essentially, both pieces of advice say the same thing, and they’re always right.

Votra Magazine:  How has social media impacted your artistic career?
Alfred Temali: I must admit, it has been a great tool for promoting my work.

Votra Magazine: Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions you’re excited about?
Alfred Temali: Yes, I’m planning an exhibition in collaboration with a friend, but I can’t reveal too much until we start implementing it.

Votra Magazine: How do you handle a painting that isn’t going as planned?
Alfred Temali: I’ve had all sorts of reactions, from abandoning a painting in a corner to destroying it altogether. I regret destroying some paintings because they were beautiful, and I haven’t been able to recreate them.

Votra Magazine:  What role does light play in your work? How do you decide on the composition of a painting? What materials or tools are essential to your painting process?
Alfred Temali: Light plays a significant role in my painting process. It influences the light that the painting itself will capture. That’s what makes each piece unique. For composition, I usually have an idea in mind that I sketch in different variations on paper before putting it on canvas. Then I start working with the paints. In my studio, I have everything a painter could need: easels, paints, brushes, spatulas, and even strange items I’ve kept for certain compositions, like crochet work, stones, or seashells.

Votra Magazine: How do you approach painting large canvases compared to smaller ones? How do you approach painting portraits versus landscapes?
Alfred Temali: When facing a large canvas, there’s definitely more emotion up until the final result. You have to step back and check if the entire painting is aligned. However, small paintings have their own challenges, especially when it comes to portraits or works with many characters, which are essentially separate portraits within one. So, I can’t generalize the difficulties between large and small paintings, or between landscapes and portraits. Some landscapes contain a lot of detail, while some portraits are relatively easy to capture, and others are incredibly difficult.

Votra Magazine: What do you do when you’re not painting?
Alfred Temali: In my trade, I’m a painter-decorator. I work with various painting techniques like Venetian stucco, faux marble or wood imitations on large surfaces, murals, Italian-style glazing, and so on. I try to balance my work, painting, and family obligations because family, especially my parents, are the foundation of life.

Votra Magazine: What’s your favorite artistic movement or period?
Alfred Temali: All periods of the year are my favorite, as long as I have free time and inspiration. But I must say, after working in my trade, when I return home, no matter what time it is—two, three, four, five—I immediately go to the studio and can work for hours there again.

Votra Magazine:  How do you incorporate feedback into your work? What do you think is the most important quality a painter should have?
Alfred Temali: A painter should always be true to themselves, love what they do, and find the best way to express themselves.

Votra Magazine:  How do you market your work? Do you mentor other artists?
Alfred Temali:  I think I learn and mentor from others, but I don’t believe I’ve ever formally mentored anyone. With other artists, we often exchange ideas and give each other friendly advice.

Votra Magazine: How do you protect and preserve your finished paintings?
Alfred Temali: I take good care of them and store them properly. Each painting deserves to be preserved for the future.

Votra Magazine: What do you think is the future of painting as an art form?
Alfred Temali: With the rise of AI, many aspects of genuine art will decline, and painting won’t be an exception. But I’m confident that humans will reassess themselves and the purpose of life. As I said before, nothing can replace the emotion exchanged between two people meeting on the street. Human contact is irreplaceable. Sooner or later, we’ll return to admiring true art created by people with soul and feeling.

Votra Magazine:  How do you stay connected with the artistic community?
Alfred Temali: Social networks are an always-open window for communication, and participating in exhibitions—whether as an exhibitor or a visitor—keeps me connected.

Votra Magazine:  What legacy do you hope to leave through your art?
Alfred Temali: I’ve never thought about that. If the art I create has value, it will survive on its own. We leave everything behind in this world. But I do dream that if any of my grandchildren or great-grandchildren show talent, I could teach them something about the art of painting.

Votra Magazine:  Thank you, Mr. Temali, for the interview!
Alfred Temali: Thank you to Votra Magazine for giving me the opportunity for such an interview. I felt very comfortable and happy to be part of your magazine!