Toria Avigliano
artist reception Tuesday, July 18, 2006 7-9 pm
Bio
Toria Avigliano is an emerging artist from Hunterdon County, New
Jersey. Born in Somerset County in 1975 and raised in Hunterdon
County, Avigliano took an interest in art at an early age - constantly
drawing and coloring. When she was diagnosed with Attention Deficit
Disorder at age 10, art became a median in which she could comfortably
strengthen her concentration skills.
It was while in high school that she took her first photography
course. The darkroom was an escape, a place where she could make her
visions a reality. Always shy to display work, her instructors
patiently built her self esteem and encouraged her not only to
develop, but showcase, her innate talent.
After high school Avigliano continued her education at West Virginia
Wesleyan College. Here she graduated with a B.A. in Pre-Art Therapy.
Up until that point, her only interest and experience was in
photography and graphic arts; needless to say, drawing and painting
presented a challenge to be overcome. After developing an abstract
approach to her work, she was able to grow as an artist.
Today Avigliano continues to work in an abstract style, concentrating
in the basic concepts of color, texture, and shape. Recently she began
experimenting in watercolors. Avigliano states, "Even though I have
been giving more time to painting, I always have a camera within arms
reach."
Statement:
I 
work in art to express myself. Having studied Pre- Art Therapy at
West Virginia Wesleyan College I find that art is way to express
oneself when words do not come easy. To achieve a major of Pre-Art
Therapy I took many classes in both psychology and art.
My artwork then, as it is today reflects my interest in both these
disciplines. Art acts as a way to visualize my thoughts. Color,
texture, and shape are key components to achieve this. By using simple
abstract marks mixed with color I invite viewers to reflect upon
themselves as well as the art. If it is possible to feel happiness,
sadness, anger, and more then I hope to create these feelings on
paper. While my pieces are intimate descriptions of me, I look forward
to different interpretations of the audience.
My past works many of which were monoprints dealt with shapes similar
to chains or interlocking circles. These works were an attempt to
describe and understand relationships -- relationships between
mother/daughter or husband/wife for example. Such relationships cannot
be undone, but move and evolve in time as do links in a chain.
Recently I have begun experimenting in a new medium for me,
watercolor. These works are about creating texture and rich colors
that force out emotion from the viewer. I use simple lines of
contrasting color or subtle changes in hues to bring out calmness.
As I evolve so will my work, always reflecting my mindset at the time.
For more information contact the restaurant at (973) 579-7338, or check out http://www.toriavig.com/
