“Discovering the relationships between things where emotion lies is where
I strive to make a connection through my work.”
“The unexpected happens when you seek to find it.”
MY WORK IS A PROCESS of discovery with still life and landscape painting the primary vehicles for my search. I strive to discover the relationships between things where emotions are experienced and shared; where the universal desire for connection happens.
I have found that I need to find something to hold onto, to fuel my explorations. In my still life paintings, the hard solid objects fill that need for me. They give the composition core structure that keeps me grounded as I try to bring to the canvas an understanding of what I am looking at. These objects hold a place so that I can experience the more chaotic side of life, the unraveling ribbon, crooked sticks, patterns on a piece of fabric. They become players on a stage that I direct, each adding their own character to the mix, playing out scenarios and sometimes surprising me with what is revealed during the process with personal, meaningful results. Color and composition also play an essential role in my work. I often select objects for their shape and color and the possibilities for their interactions.
Unlike my still life painting, landscape painting is a reductive process for me. Seeing vast nature before me, I select which elements will make it onto my stage, working to select just what is needed to make the connection between the experience and the canvas. Color in nature is also important and I often start by observing color combinations that intrigue me to find my way in the process of selecting what I will paint.
Through the process of observation I seek to find the unexpected that brings the painting to life.
BIO
Marie Riccio grew up in New York and received a B.F.A from SUNY Purchase. She also lived in Philadelphia where she earned an MFA in painting from the University of Pennsylvania before moving to Rockville, MD. She is an award-winning artist who has exhibited her work in New York, Philadelphia, Colorado, and throughout the Washington, DC area.
All images are copyrighted by the artist. Reproduction of any image for any purpose without the express permission of the artist is strictly prohibited.