Maria Pezzano – Daisy with Black
Acrylic, mixed media on black unryu
30″x30″
$1,200

Maria Pezzano – Daisy with Grey
Acrylic, mixed media ,mulberry paper, on canvas
30″x30
$1,200

Maria Pezzano – Mediterranean Floral
Mixed media on canvas, mulberry paper
$575

Maria Pezzano – Green and Blue Floral Design
Mixed media on canvas, mulberry paper
20”x20”
$575.00

Maria Pezzano – Doves on Vines
Mixed media on canvas, mulberry paper
48”x48”
$ 3,400

Maria Pezzano – Rhododendron with Vines
Mixed media on canvas, mulberry paper
48”x48”
$ 3,400

Maria Pezzano – Double Gerbera Times Four
Mixed media on canvas, mulberry paper
60”x60”
$4,800

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. Currently, I do this by intensely exploring patterns. I create my own design, carve it out of rubber linoleum then pull prints from that block by hand. I brush acrylic paint on the rubber linoleum block because I enjoy the intimate and obvious irregularities of the brush stroke and the inconsistency of the paint, each stroke creating a genuine texture. After choosing a palette, I take many prints of different designs and I layer them on top of each other, using acrylic mediums and paint, working with transparency and opaqueness. Quite often I incorporate imagery of flourishing vines keeping in line with my obsession with flowers, leaves and vinery. By adding and removing pieces and bits, I create a dialogue between the prints, the canvas and myself.

I have noticed that viewers sometimes make a quick connection to ceramic tiles, or ceiling tiles when they first view my work. People mention inspiration from Turkey, Spain, Morocco and Italy just to name a few. I haven’t studied these at all but find the connection fascinating. That is why I think that element is innate. It comes from within and being of Italian descent I grew up with it . Decorative art, was on our walls, on our tableclothes, napkins, rugs, and clothing, it was everywhere. My goal is to take in the decorative art around me and reinterpret, become inspired by and finally create fine art with it.

My work is an interesting combination of images and colours resulting in a feeling that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

Maria Pezzano lives in Guelph. Her studio overlooks the Speed River and is located in the historical Trafalgar building. Her most recent exhibition at the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre in early 2009 brought attention to her new style of work.

Maria’s work is collected locally, across the country and internationally. She is a recipient of an Ontario Arts Council Award.