Featured Artist Pia de Girolamo

Artsy Shark is pleased to present the stunning portfolio of painter and featured artist Pia de Girolamo. See more of her work by visiting her website.

I grew up in New York City, spent summers in Italy, and got to travel a lot with my family. I took a sketch pad with me everywhere. As a child, I studied with a local artist but I always loved science too. Ultimately, I became a physician.

Though my work helping others as an Infectious Disease specialist was satisfying and even exciting as it involved pursuing clues to come to a diagnosis, over time the pressures of the profession increased and squeezed out so much else. Incrementally, I let art back into my life and eventually made the decision to leave medicine entirely. After living without it for a while, I discovered that creativity is a powerful source of joy and energy.

My paintings start with a big gesture … a calligraphic sweep of black paint or a large field of color… that beckons and leads me deeper and deeper into an exploration of color, texture, form and line. The inner world of the subconscious and the visible world of the environment act as guides. As I work, the surface of the painting becomes a landscape whose topography I create, scratch out and rework until the painting yells “Enough already!”

Mystery and wonder are at the heart of my paintings, which speak to people on an emotional level. When I see that viewers are moved or delighted I know that they have connected. I enjoy discussing my paintings, answering people’s questions and listening to them describe what they see and feel the work means to them.