BIOGRAPHY
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.
Ciao,
Education
1973-1978
Post Graduate Education, Fine Arts & Design SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Oswego, Elmira College, Binghamton University
1968-1972
B.S. Art Education State University College, Buffalo, NY Siena University, Siena, Italy Institutale Nationale D'Arte, Siena, Italy
Employment
2005-Present
2003-Present
1995-2004
2003-Present
Art Educator - Maine Endwell High School
Adjunct, SUNY New Paltz
Adjunct - Broome Community College
Union Endicott High School, Endicott, NY Advanced Placement Art, Painting,
Advertising Design, Illustration Fibers & Fashion Design, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelry
1994-2002
1999-2000
1998-2000
1994-1995
Adjunct Keystone College PA.
Chairperson: Art Department, Union Endicott School District
NYS Art Teachers Association President Section 4
Adjunct - Empire State College
Memberships
Boards of Director, Southern Tier Celebrates
Boards of Director, Broome County Memorial Arena
Gorgeous Washington Street Association
Board of Directors, Broome County Arts Council