marianthepastore@yahoo.com

941.312.4880

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Each time I start a new work I paint a wash of raw umber over the entire white canvas and, as a result, the masses of tone guide me in some way to start thinking about what might come forth.  It is like a archaeological dig, but in reverse.  Instead of unearthing and clearing away layer upon layer to ultimately discover whatever, I place layer upon layer to stimulate my creativity and give me some direction.  It is a struggle until that moment arrives, and when it does and the concept appears in my mind's eye. It is so mentally exhausting that I cannot plunge right in and start painting but rather set it aside for a few hours or days.

Both of my parents come from the Greek Islands and so the sea has been a large part of my life and work.  However, my seascapes are not turquoise tropical scenes but rather dark, turbulent and lonely reflecting the human condition.

After studies in the fine arts, I turned to interior design for a livelihood and had a long career in the New York City area.  Upon retirement, I lived in Vermont on a secluded hilltop surrounded by 110 beautiful acres and started to paint once again.

I have exhibited in juried shows in New Jersey and the AVA Gallery in New Hampshire. Upon arrival in Sarasota in 2004, I have exhibited with Women Contemporary Artists and the Art Center of Sarasota.

Now I feel incomplete if I don't paint every day.

Running Away from the Circus

Oil     30 x 40