Maria Pezzano
During my 20 years or so as an artist there has been a recurring theme in my paintings-flowers. I am mesmerized and never tire of looking at flowers and wonder at the beauty in these short-lived and fragile gifts. Mother Nature's use of complimentary colours, repetition of shape-be it inside the petals, the petals or in the leaves or of the leaves is a constant inspiration for me. My obsessive and insatiable need to paint pattern and colour becomes satisfied when I paint flowers.
The use of colour and pattern are common elements found in my work. Since 1992 my focus has been trying to find a balance with the two. Really bright work - recognizable and decorated images with wild patterns have appeared quite frequently during the last two decades.
My next direction was to focus on patterns. I designed and carved my own pattern blocks and took prints from them. The subject matter again is of a floral/vine nature. While using a minimal palette with glazes I started to layer these hand pulled prints, putting pattern on pattern, drawing the viewer into the depth of the piece.
Again trying to give my self another challenge I developed the Black Background Series. These pieces once more speak to my obsessive need for painting flowers. These pieces are reminiscent of and inspired by Pennsylvania toll ware paintings of the late 18oo's. The colour becomes more vibrant and intense against a black background, a feature I find quite exciting.
This show incorporates some pieces I created over the last three years as well as my new black background series. The most recent piece of the show, is in the centre and is called "Cherry Blossom", this piece is a unique combination of the patterned and flower pieces.
Maria Pezzano has a lovely studio in downtown Guelph. Visits are welcome by appointment only. Be it for her paintings, illustrations or designs, Maria and her clients all share the love and passion for light hearted imagery, patterns and colour. www.mariapezzano.com , mariapezzano@gmail.com , 519-763-9333