On view 02/04/2022 – 02/26/2022
Orazio Salati Studio and Gallery
204 State Street, Binghamton, NY

Richard Nolan

Artist’s Statement

This exhibit introduces the viewer to a collection of genuinely unique, highly refined sculptures which owe their distinct “innovative perspective” to my life’s passion.  Educated and trained as a mechanical design engineer, my compulsion to develop “problem solving” designs, combined with my proclivity for elegance, has resulted in an eclectic collection with a clean sophisticated style symbolic of the reputation I developed as a respected design engineer.

My creations are constructed principally from cherry and black walnut hardwoods; utilizing conventional woodworking tools, a strong reliance on self-developed techniques used for seamless joining and a great deal of belt, drum and hand sanding.  Functionally, the two species exhibit comparable workability conducive to reliable assembly.  Aesthetically, the two species complement each other, allowing me to paint with light and dark tones.

My work communicates a strong emphasis on design, derived from my extensive mechanical drafting background.  Each piece is meticulously planned out in advanced, allowing me to formulate solutions with great confidence and with impeccable accuracy.  My greatest reward is a sophisticated enthusiast’s wonderment as to how my works of art are constructed. 

A self-described perfectionist, my background as a product development engineer motivates my approach:  “While continually building on mastered achievements, each new creation demands that I challenge myself by introducing processes, techniques and shapes that have yet to be experienced.  This compulsion to constantly test my capabilities is what drives and inspires me to grow as an artist.” 

Natalie Dadamio

Artist’s Statement

For me the painting process is a deep exploration into ancient longings and expressions that are often buried deep within the soul and psyche. I am interested in excavating the hidden moments, the forgotten and unseen and bringing them out in the open and the light.

By giving voice and expression to the continual dance life has to offer through mark making, color, shape and line helps to make the invisible, visible and aim to give voice to the sacred power that lies within the heart of all creation.

Through the seen and unseen worlds, the known and unknown, the vision of what may be or not be I seek to create from the juxtaposed places and spaces that are calling me. As a mixed media artist, I aim to create a freedom and expansion in my work that I am often attracted to and gravitate towards in life.

I love the element of surprise in my work, the intensity, the rawness, the unknown and I am often drawn back to expressing these moments.

Through ripped papers and layers, frenetic and intuitive shapes, wild brush strokes and carefully placed bits of collage I work to uncover the mysteries of life.

By using discarded elements and other materials such as pastel, graphite, ink, and collage papers I seek to convey an energetic connection and create a synergy between the use of the different materials.

Collage plays a crucial role in my painting practice because it helps to create a harmony between the broken which is made beautiful. This is a major interest and theme that is often seen throughout my work.

By incorporating collage elements, I can take perhaps what may appear to be an undesirable material offhand and weave it into something that is beautiful.

THIS EXCITES ME! As there is very much an alchemical transformation that occurs within this idea. To bring creation back through destruction. To change perception and re-engage with material in a different way and be able to give something new life is invigorating.

My paintings represent my long journey of returning to myself and contain the elements of the while journey including the broken bits, the scars, and the mistakes.

They seek to convey the beauty in the brokenness. The light in the darkness. And to honor the scared journey of the soul.

At the end of the day art making for me is a meditative practice, a way to commune with all that is and a deep contemplation and reflection, a way to convey the many emotional landscapes that one traverse during a lifetime, and ultimately a way to bring back and keep the magic and mystery alive.