Joyce Grasso

Picasso once said, "It took me years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child." As a former art teacher, my young students were always playful and fearless in their approach. Their broad strokes and bright palettes were charged with energy and a joy to behold. Now, in my second career, I approach each canvas and collage piece with that same ethos. My rich toolkit includes bold colors, multiple layers and varied textures. Working with children has allowed me to see the world through their lens. As a result, each of my pieces reflects my joyful heart and sense of spontaneity. It gives me great pleasure to create works that are true to my aesthetic and meaningful to others. I grew up in Maine where the lulling sounds of waves breaking and the din of distant foghorns were part of my everyday existence. The simple beauty saturated my soul, is part of who I am and is expressed in my artwork. With frequent return visits to Maine, as well as many inspiring trips to Italy, the south of France, and other exquisite places, I have integrated the beauty of natural and man-made environments into my work. Rather than the traditional land or seascape, my paintings create a “feeling of place." I believe place allows us to access those special feelings and memories that escape our usual awareness. Joyce was raised in Portland, Maine and attended college and graduate school in Connecticut. Settling in Fairfield County, she taught art in the Stamford and Greenwich Public Schools. Joyce has studied at the International Center for Photography, MOMA, Greenwich Art Society, and the Silvermine School of Art. Throughout her career she has received several awards for her photography and painting. Resuming her painting career Joyce has shown at the Bendheim and Flinn Gallery in Greenwich, CT and has exhibited in many juried shows throughout Fairfield County including Kershner Gallery and Pequot Gallery in Southport CT, where she was awarded "Best in Show 2018." Her photos and paintings are displayed in many private collections in Connecticut, Maine, Pennsylvania, New York and California. In 2017, she had five paintings purchased for the permanent collection at the new Stamford Hospital. Joyce is a member of the Greenwich Art Society, The Stamford Art Association and an accepted member of the Loft Artists Association where she has a studio. She is a longtime resident of Stamford, where she lives with her husband John, a school principal.

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Artist