ART
 |
||
Dominic Quagliozzi
www.DominicQuagliozzi.com
When did you really get into art?
Ive always been creating,
whether it be cartooning or using silly puddy to make small sculptures. I
really started to focus my attention on painting and fine art around the age of
16. I would paint with an old set of oil paints on canvas boards, I mostly did
landscapes. As I got older and more confident with the medium I moved on to
portraits and still lifes. During my college career I branched out into
abstraction and expressionism, where I really brought my skills and creative
energies together. Now Im just trying to build on that, every day is a new
challenge and a new idea.
How did you come to the realization that you should try your luck at art on a
more serious level?
Ive always known art was my
calling. Growing up continuing until today, that hasnt changed. Art was my
way to communicate my ideas and how I felt to a larger number of people. I
figured if I really want to be successful and have meaning behind my work I
would have to stay faithful to my calling.
How did you discover the particular style that you have?
I think it was just a natural
progression. I started out as a traditional realist trying to capture every
last detail. It was like I was a camera, but that got old and empty. I
realized, for me, there was no passion and emotion in that style. For some that
style reveals an artistic beauty all their own, but for me it wasnt
interpretative enough. Artists like Matisse, Van Gogh, Modigliani really
captured the beauty and essence of things through interpretative color, style,
and composition. Instead of taking the image as seen by an eye, they made the
image as seen by their eye. That is really the process in which Im currently
a part of. Im trying new styles all the time, but ultimately I will always
come back to my own style with nuances particular only to my experiences
spilling onto the canvas.
How would you describe your style?
Abstract is too broad a term
to use, although its the easiest way to describe my style. If I had more time
I would say it was an emotionalism with underlying subconscious thought founded
in feeling.
Who or what influences your art?
I cant name them all or wed
be here all life. And thats just that, life influences me the most. Everyday
things, past and present artist, color, form, anything really. The works of
Matisse, Van Gogh, Elmer Bischoff, Bonnard, and Balthus have all guided my
development as an artist. By looking at their work you can come to a new way of
looking, to see how they saw, which is really what fascinates me most about
art. Also, in my life I have dealt with Cystic Fibrosis, a disease that affects
the lungs, and living with that has lead me to many different pieces and ideas.
Painting becomes an outlet and a way of expressing how it feels to live with a
disease that makes everyday a challenge.
How often do you create a new piece?
Im in the studio about 3
times a week. Thats not to say Im creating new works though, sometimes I just
go to think or look at things. I usually have about 2-3 pieces going at once
and when I finish one I start a new one. If I had to quantify my production, I
would say I finish 2 pieces every month.
What kind of success have you had with your art?
Most recently I had a piece
hanging in the 1st Annual juried show for the Worcester Artist
Group. Ive had a few shows while in college. The Providence College gallery
had my stuff hanging on two separate occasions. The student run show which I
helped curate and the Studio Art Minors show. In Holden, MA I had a solo show
in their community center. Ive also drawn for a few brochures and pamphlets
over the years and Ive illustrated one childrens book that has yet to find a
publisher. Still, Im waiting for that real big chance to get my name out
there.
What would be the ultimate goal for you and your art?
I want to touch peoples lives
with my art. Although being able to support myself through my art would be
ideal, the ultimate satisfaction for me is to hear someone tell me how one of my
paintings made them think about an aspect of their life. I know it doesnt
happen much anymore in art... but I would like for a viewer of one of my pieces
to just break down and cry. Unfortunately, there hasnt been that kind of
connection for a long time, and maybe there never will again.
What do you see as an accomplishment in the way of art?
Just getting my ideas down on
a canvas.
What kind of message, if any, do you try to convey through your art?
All I try to do is have a
dialogue with the canvas. I want my work to mean something different to
everyone that looks at it, for each viewer to have a personal experience from
it. Whether it stirs up feelings of happiness or sadness, as long as it moves
the viewer to reflect. Unlike propaganda art, there is no agenda behind my
work, just how I felt or what I thought at that particular moment in time.
Sum up your art in one word.
Alive
Any additional comments?
If youre interested in seeing more of my work or contacting me you can visit my
website. Id look to hear from you. Thanks for your time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
