Creative Tides
Painter Carina Francioso on living slowly, creating with purpose, and valuing what endures over what is fleeting.
Photography By George Pimentel
Living Luxe (LL): What does living luxuriously mean to you?
Carina Francioso (CF): Living luxuriously to me means living with intention. It is the freedom to choose depth over surface-level experience, quality over what is quickly made, and time over urgency. True luxury is having the space, both mentally and physically, to move slowly, to observe and to honour the beauty found in the details that are so often overlooked. To live in alignment with that rhythm, and without compromise, is the greatest luxury I know. My artwork is a reflection of that way of living, shaped by patience, attention to detail and a deep respect for time.
LL: How does luxury and extravagance factor into your work?
CF: Luxury and extravagance enter my work through my commitment to craftsmanship. I believe in using only the highest-quality materials, from my oil paints to my brushes, because excellence begins at the source. There is nothing casual about the way I approach my craft. Every decision is intentional, and that devotion to quality allows the work to carry depth, longevity and meaning. One of the greatest fulfillments in my career is when collectors return to acquire a second or third piece. To me, that continuity reflects trust, resonance, and the enduring nature of the work. That uncompromising standard is its own quiet form of luxury.
LL: What plays a role in allowing you to live your best life?
CF: Protecting my inner rhythm is essential, whether that means time alone in the studio, daily movement and meditation, travel, or moments of stillness. These practices keep me grounded and clear, both creatively and personally. I’m equally nourished by thoughtful cultural experiences, from gallery exhibitions and galas to fine dining, where craft, atmosphere and attention to detail mirror the values I bring to my work. Nature is especially important to me, and water has always been a central part of my life. Growing up boating on Georgian Bay and later living seaside in Italy shaped the way I see and feel the world. Returning to the water, as well as spending time with family and traveling back to Italy, reconnects me to what matters most.
LL: What objects do you surround yourself with to inspire and support your everyday growth and why?
CF: I surround myself with objects that carry weight, both emotionally and historically. Works of art are essential to me, especially the sculptures hand-carved by my great-grandparents, my grandfather and my mother. They remind me of a lineage rooted in craftsmanship, patience and devotion to detail, and reinforce my connection to art as something lived. In my home studio, the environment is simple but sacred. Brushes, pigments, canvas, books, journals, music and works in progress remind me that mastery and growth are built slowly. Fashion also inspires me deeply. Having modelled for many years, I’m attuned to materials, design, and how what I wear shapes how I move through the world and create.
LL: How important is it to you to refresh and revitalize either your work or yourself?
CF: It’s essential. Water is the main theme of my work and it is never static, and neither is a creative life. I need periods of renewal, changing environments, returning to nature and stepping back, because that is when I come back to the canvas with clearer vision. Revitalizing myself revitalizes the work. They are inseparable.
LL: What would you tell others about living their most luxurious life and how they can strive to be their personal best?
CF: I would tell them that luxury begins with self-trust. Choose what truly nourishes you, invest in what endures, and do not rush the life you are building. Whether in art, business or personal growth, the most meaningful results come from consistency, discernment, and devotion. Passion matters deeply, but it must be paired with intention and commitment to become something lasting. Learn to listen to what genuinely moves you rather than what is expected of you. A truly beautiful and luxurious life is not about chasing an image, but about cultivating a life that feels deeply your own. When you live with honesty and intention, excellence follows naturally.
For more, follow Francioso at @artistcarina.