The Artist
My family and I immigrated to the United States from Arnara, Italy in 1955. My artistic journey began then, at the age of seven, as I was unable to speak the language of my new land and found my means of communication and self expression to be through the arts. My mother and father encouraged and supported my interests from the very beginning, both working long hours at local factories, in difficult jobs, in order to nurture my talents. I am forever indebted to them for their kindness, dedication, and support.They always demonstrated a boundless love to my brother, Mario, and me. I honor my parents, Domenico and Grazia Salati.
I began my professional journey with fiber arts, clay, and precious metals, but was ultimately always drawn back to painting, the language of my heart. I paint in a variety of styles, sizes, and mediums. My first major work arose from a specific event: the massacre of a Native American tribe. The theme of this body of work was a study of the energy and forces present in the “passing” of spirits. Illustrations from these paintings are included in a book entitled A Tribe Returned.
In December 2003 my work was exhibited at the Firenze Biennale Internazionale Dell’Arte Contemporanea, in Florence, Italy. In 1987, I had the distinct privilege of observing first-hand the restoration of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City.This experience allowed me to speak and learn from many of the restorers. I was invited and allowed to actually touch Michelangelo’s ceiling, an experience beyond the wildest dreams of any artist. I was also fortunate to observe the restoration of Massacio’s frescoes at the Brancacci Chapel in Florence.
I have always had a love for Abstract Expressionism. The freedom of movement, the use of color, and the textural quality has always appealed to me. Abstractions are currently my expression. One style I often use is known as Photo Peinture, a term introduced in the mid 1860’s at the salons and the Royal Academy in France. This technique includes painting over photo-images fixed on canvas.In the process my photographs are joined to the canvas and then the entire painting is completed through a blending of colors, a creation of textural surfaces, and, sometimes camouflaging the photograph. The photographs are taken on-location as well as in my studio. It is always interesting to see people take a “second glance” at my paintings to see if their eyes have deceived them. I welcome you to my Studio and Gallery in Binghamton , NY to view my work or to simply visit and chat about art and history and life.
