Earth Journey
Donna Carelli & Marietta Raposo
A dialogue between the elusive and the concrete.
October 7 until November 15, 2004.
Reception: Friday October 18 4pm-6:30pm
Marietta Raposo
Mariette Greene Raposo lived in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts from the time of her birth, July 7, 1937, until she moved to Central New York in 1961.
Prior to her relocation, she studied at the Burlington Art Center, The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and Lowell State Teacher’s College, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree.
After moving to the greater Utica area, she studied at the Munson Williams Proctor School of Art. She was among the original members of the Tuesday night painting group in Rome, New York, the landscape painting group known as “The Sylvan Beach Gang,” and the Mohawk Valley Artists, figure painting group.
Raposo has exhibited in regional and national shows where she has won awards. She has had solo exhibitions and exhibitions with one, two, or three fellow painters at Mohawk Valley Community College, the State University of New York, and the Rome Art and Community Center.
Artist Statement
When painting a figure, portrait or landscape, I try to express the essential energy of the subject rather than a photographic representation. I usually paint over an already painted surface, frequently an unresolved painting. Usually the previous painting becomes part of the new work, which helps to maintain a dialogue between the illusive and the concrete.I try to convey an emotion seeded in the center of the visual experience, a feeling that is both within and beyond the work itself. Ideally, I hope to evoke a corresponding recognition within the viewer.
Donna Carelli
I started painting when I was nine years old. I have taken several art classes, some at Munson Williams, some private, but most of my art is self taught. I have had several shows including the Resonance Center, Utica Library, Old Forge Library, Kirkland Arts Center, New Hartford Library and more. I now paint at home and also with a group called the “Mohawk Valley Artists” at the Kirkland Art Center.
Artist Statement
When painting a landscape or portrait, I first take in as much visual and spiritual energies as possible. It seems to “cement” itself in my mind, Then I convert these feelings into paint and canvas. Sometimes the energy takes over and sometimes the visual. If I am fortunate, they combine into a self-redeeming painting that I hope people look at and say “I’ve been there” or “I feel as if I am here”, experiencing the moment. That is my reward.
