Art by Linda Tedeschi Profile Page on Nextcat.com

About my work:

Socially Distorted

My primary inspiration has always been focused on the human form. This was initiated by a family trip to Italy during my childhood. Being surrounded by the works of the Renaissance masters has molded and shaped my work. I have a BFA in printmaking, with minors in art history and graphic design from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1991. I continue to print and exhibition as a member of Experimental Etching Studio, Boston. These bodies of work have evolved into what I call “Socially Distorted”. The format and fantasy in which people co-exist into this society. Commenting on their efforts to be accepted and admired.

Bodies of Work:

Broken Self Image: Being labeled ‘beautiful’ serves as the ‘get in free’ pass to social acceptance. If you are beautiful [a definition benchmarked by media infestation in America] then you are loved and accepted by the tribe. This has become an enormous cultural issue ranging from eating disorders and weight discrimination to plastic surgery. This hyper-vanity is not exclusive to females anymore. Everybody seems to be carefully working their image physically and spiritually to fit into the accepted spaces. It’s superficial, but it also seems to be an ingrained instinct in us to “belong”. Is that really all there is? Gravity is a bitch, and beauty comes from inside. My advice? Be YOURSELF!

Gossip: Along with this notion, you’ll find the gossips. The gatherers of information. Gossips are both cheered and jeered by society. Criticized for the invasiveness, but always called upon to listen to ‘the latest news’. The gossips will accept or reject the others. I consider this a tangent off of the Broken Self Image. work. ‘People watchers’, now becoming the trend with reality TV, it is not only intriguing to view the people figuratively, but also to observe their behavior. Watching humans in their natural habitats. Observing how people view themselves as well as how they are viewed by others. And how conscious people are of others watching them.

The Beach: This series of work is more personal for me. I am attached physically and spiritually to the Sea. It relaxes and heals me. When I am hurt, I will go to the ocean at any time, in any weather, to release my pain. I take many images at the beach and portray my subjects in this state of peace. This is a body of work that will more than likely last my entire life.

Dance: Another personal series of work, still in progress. Body movement frees your spirit and lifts your sadness. I recommend to everyone "let it go," and MOVE. Music (sounds, vibrations) elevate you and eliminates sadness and depression. This world is so heavy, I think dance should be considered relevant therapy for those in need. Music is one of the most important inventions of the human race. It doesn’t matter what kind of music it is, as long as it moves you! All you straight men who are “too cool to dance” need to get over it and shake what your Momma gave you! Although I consider myself a “rocker”, there is nothing wrong with a little cheesy disco. Yet another tangent of Broken Self-Image, Often people won’t dance because they are intimidated by others watching. But others are too busy moving themselves, so enjoy!

Portraits: I was born with a pencil in my hand. I could always render. So I will often get lost in my own head and find a face I like (whether I know it or not) and just do it. Some of my greatest drawings come out automatically and quickly. Once again, my subjects are almost always figurative, human or animal.

Professional Art: Graphics Instructor, Graphic Designer

Instruct students to gain proficiency in the use of computer software graphics on either Mac or PC platforms ·

Specialize, but not exclusive to, print graphics and very experienced in relevant software programs including Adobe Photoshop, Image Ready, Illustrator, PageMaker, InDesign, Flash, Fireworks and Acrobat. QuarkXPress, Lectora, and Sound Forge · Microsoft programs include PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, Visio, Outlook and Word · Educate students about practical scenarios in a graphic environment; color theory, advanced color correcting skills and commercial printing techniques

Develop courses suited to the needs of the clientele

Develop courseware and other class materials including e-learning modules

Create, design and execute commercial print ready documents, newsletters and books

Extensive knowledge in 4-color process printing.

New Work 2007

Energy & Orbs:

I’ve always been a figurative artist inspired by the masters of the Renaissance. For me, it is very easy to generate emotion from a tight rendering. As an accomplished printmaker, I would often make simple color studies of interlocking circles of varying sizes and arrange colors in the spaces to plot and plan out a color scheme suitable for a print which would be the finished product. People who saw some of these preliminary color studies took notice and looked at these as its own art rather than an exercise for a finished print. The medium used in these studies varied from pastel, colored pencil and wax sticks. As I did more studies, I used better paper and materials knowing that this could grow into its own body of work.

Some of the inspiration also came from several conversations regarding energy orbs. Orbs are defined as "energy points captured in photography." Skeptics believe that they are nothing more than dust particles on the camera lens. While others believe these are energy anomalies of ancestors or spirit trapped or floating in time. After seeing some pictures with orbs trapped in them, I thought that they had a great sense of composition regardless of the scientific explanation. My interest in the topic also stems from being a Reiki Master. My understanding of energy flow and healing, through Reiki techniques, involve charkas and energy points.

“Energy & Orbs” evolved into a real body of work in early Spring of 2007. I attended an event at CoSM, Alex Grey’s incredible “Chapel of Sacred Mirrors” art gallery in NYC. Alex introduced a group summer exhibition at the visiting artist’s gallery in his space called “MicroCosm Gallery”. The subject of the exhibition was simply the question, “What is your Original Face?” The exhibition was a square foot show called “Original Face.” (see references below for more information)

July 5, 2007- Alex Grey and me at the opening reception of the "Original Face" show. My 4 paintings, "Elements' are to the right of me.

I submitted four 12” x 12” acrylic on canvas paintings depicting the elements; fire, air, earth & water. It made sense to fashion these paintings in abstract circles and use color and composition to communicate the subject. “Elements” is currently on exhibition at MicroCoSM Gallery, 542 W. 27^th St. NYC on exhibition until September 1^st 2007.

Most canvases are square with circles placed to create an environment of energy and color. The primary shapes, (Square canvas with circular subjects) force the viewer to focus on being concerned only with the color and composition to create a certain emotion or environment of energy. For example: ‘Circular orbs’ are seemingly in motion to create fluid energy in tandem with particular color combinations to generate a pensive or a joyful space. I have been working solely on this concept in preparation for the exhibition at MicroCoSM Gallery.

While working towards the final four paintings that would represent “The Elements,” this has evolved into its own body of work. There are currently 30 paintings completed, and the work is still in progress. I find myself very comfortable as an abstract painter. Instead of drawing exactly from life, I am trying to generate an environment using only color and texture to capture emotions and energy without the human form to render.

In the process, I have also found that some pieces are very interesting when viewed in groups. Some paintings feel more powerful when they are supported by complimentary colors. The group arrangement of these pieces are intentional and create a more complex environment.

References:
MicroCoSM Gallery: http://www.microcosmgallery.com/index.shtml,
Alex Grey: http://www.alexgrey.com/,
CoSM: http://www.cosm.org/,
Reiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki

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