October Featured Artist Cristina Ruggiero

Posted on | Thursday, September 30, 2010 | 3 Comments

Cristina Ruggiero is a graduate of Ball State University where she majored in painting earning a BFA degree in 1990.   Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina she came to the U.S. as a child, growing up in Bloomington, Indiana with her parents and siblings. She believes the blending of cultures and experiences helped broaden the window from which she observes life, thus often bringing a different perspective and dynamic dimension into her artistic expression.
"Painting is the truest, deepest feeling of self expression I have experienced. As I paint, I feel energized; thoughts and ideas flow naturally, unrestricted and unencumbered. I am in a place more deeply connected to my inner self. I best describe my work as a collection of experiences and qualities uniquely mine. Memories become woven into the fabric of my being, both cultural and personal and which symbolically represent the many facets of my life and complexity of my thoughts.
My favorite medium is oil on canvas. I find the entire process of painting fascinating from beginning to end. From deciding my canvas dimensions, to  stretching the canvas, to the best type of brushes and colors to use for the particular painting I am about to begin. The technique I most often use is  applying thick layers of paint over thin washes of color; some which I leave  exposed or later bring back to the surface in various patterns, creating a  juxtaposition of different textures. The patterns which emerge are almost  always organic, free, flowing, interconnected vine like shapes, woven through the many layers of color and texture. The colors I choose are bold, rich and oftentimes acidic, which I like as I find they help provide a more dynamic flow of contrasting energies to the images. It is this movement, this lifelike energy in the painting which I find most challenging to attain, most satisfying and visually most appealing once completed.
A Crawfordsville, Indiana resident, Cristina has been painting and exhibiting her work since 1990. Exhibits include:  Ball State University Art Gallery, Muncie, Indiana;  Indiana Theological Seminary, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN; Impact Design Gallery, Marina del Rey, California, International Art Exhibit, Indianapolis, Indiana Convention Center and Sugar Creek Art Center, Thorntown, Indiana. Cristina’s work has also been featured on PBS’s WFYI  Channel 21, “Across Indiana” and Arts Indiana magazine.


Comments

3 Responses to “October Featured Artist Cristina Ruggiero”

  1. Unknown
    October 4, 2010 at 4:18 PM

    I believe also that the complexity of the thoughts can be really shown through a work of art, especially a painting. I love Argenitnean artists because they have a european-like vision of the world. I made a Buenos Aires travel some years ago, and I was stunned by all the beauty of the paintings made by the citizens.
    Cheers
    Brooke

  2. Nina
    October 9, 2010 at 8:37 PM

    Art can show emotion, thought, vision - it can act as therapy - can be worshipful and educational - so many things. It's such a benefit to be able to listen to an artist speak about their vision.

  3. Carmen Ruggero
    October 17, 2010 at 3:40 PM

    Great job, sis! I'm so glad to see your work out there for all to see. I'm proud of you.

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