READ INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT HERE:
It's an honor to speak with you today. Why don't you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today? *
It all started back in grade school. I was the girl in the back of the class that would draw cartoon characters and show my friends. As I entered high school, I began experimenting with portraiture. It was gradual. I noticed that year after year, my art became more detailed and thoughtful. I was slowly moving toward realism. However, there was a struggle. I loved science too! I briefly pondered directing my art towards more science-related content. I decided to explore my talent further and at age 17 I became a freshman at Caldwell University. There, I met Larry Szycher, Judith Croce, Juan Irribaren and Kendall Baker. I attribute their guidance to expanding my views as an artist.
Soon after, I was given the chance to travel. I found myself in Zurich for a Bollywood production and later had dinner with the producers who were friends of the family. Before I knew it, I was painting the portrait of a guest actor that would later appear on ABC's Grey's Anatomy. Around the same time, the old Borders Books & Music near me was looking for art to hang. After submitting a few pieces, mine were chosen to hang on a back wall. From there its been private commissioned work and now selling prints. The support of my parents John & Catherine as well as my husband Ct: Matthew Petricone, sisters, friends and family these past few years has been incredible.
I'm sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way? Aside from overcoming stereotypes, soon after graduating with my BFA degree, I suffered a brain aneurysm. I was temporarily paralyzed from the waist down until it was clipped after emergency surgery. I stayed at Overlook Hospital for nearly a month. It was pretty surreal. I had to undergo some physical therapy in order to get the strength back in my legs. I'm lucky to have made a full recovery. I still have to thank my surgeon, Dr. Benitez for saving my life, as well as the man upstairs for putting me in his care.
Let's talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I make art and I sell it. My studio prints are original. My visions are original. Every work of art or item I create is an opportunity to expand someone's visual horizons or invoke some positive feeling. My work speaks for itself.
What's your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Work hard and spend smart. It sounds silly but I have been saying it for years. Work keeps you on your toes and your mind sharp. It's great to get paid for your work, but spend your money wisely. You can't always immediately do what you love. Do what you need to do until you get where you're going, but don't spend frivolously along the way. Be smart. Save.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success is accomplishing your goals. For me personally, it is the ability to accomplish my goals while being respected for my contribution to society. I've never measured success by mere monetary gains alone. You can have a successful career and an unsuccessful relationship. I define success by respect, which funny enough, like money, is earned.
What's next for you?
I'd like to focus on more mixed media art. I would also love to get my art into more households.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
I invite anyone who likes my art and what I'm doing to like and interact with my page: https://www.facebook.com/CountessVanessaPetricone/
RETURN TO NEW ARTIST PAGE
It's an honor to speak with you today. Why don't you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today? *
It all started back in grade school. I was the girl in the back of the class that would draw cartoon characters and show my friends. As I entered high school, I began experimenting with portraiture. It was gradual. I noticed that year after year, my art became more detailed and thoughtful. I was slowly moving toward realism. However, there was a struggle. I loved science too! I briefly pondered directing my art towards more science-related content. I decided to explore my talent further and at age 17 I became a freshman at Caldwell University. There, I met Larry Szycher, Judith Croce, Juan Irribaren and Kendall Baker. I attribute their guidance to expanding my views as an artist.
Soon after, I was given the chance to travel. I found myself in Zurich for a Bollywood production and later had dinner with the producers who were friends of the family. Before I knew it, I was painting the portrait of a guest actor that would later appear on ABC's Grey's Anatomy. Around the same time, the old Borders Books & Music near me was looking for art to hang. After submitting a few pieces, mine were chosen to hang on a back wall. From there its been private commissioned work and now selling prints. The support of my parents John & Catherine as well as my husband Ct: Matthew Petricone, sisters, friends and family these past few years has been incredible.
I'm sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way? Aside from overcoming stereotypes, soon after graduating with my BFA degree, I suffered a brain aneurysm. I was temporarily paralyzed from the waist down until it was clipped after emergency surgery. I stayed at Overlook Hospital for nearly a month. It was pretty surreal. I had to undergo some physical therapy in order to get the strength back in my legs. I'm lucky to have made a full recovery. I still have to thank my surgeon, Dr. Benitez for saving my life, as well as the man upstairs for putting me in his care.
Let's talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I make art and I sell it. My studio prints are original. My visions are original. Every work of art or item I create is an opportunity to expand someone's visual horizons or invoke some positive feeling. My work speaks for itself.
What's your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Work hard and spend smart. It sounds silly but I have been saying it for years. Work keeps you on your toes and your mind sharp. It's great to get paid for your work, but spend your money wisely. You can't always immediately do what you love. Do what you need to do until you get where you're going, but don't spend frivolously along the way. Be smart. Save.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success is accomplishing your goals. For me personally, it is the ability to accomplish my goals while being respected for my contribution to society. I've never measured success by mere monetary gains alone. You can have a successful career and an unsuccessful relationship. I define success by respect, which funny enough, like money, is earned.
What's next for you?
I'd like to focus on more mixed media art. I would also love to get my art into more households.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
I invite anyone who likes my art and what I'm doing to like and interact with my page: https://www.facebook.com/CountessVanessaPetricone/
RETURN TO NEW ARTIST PAGE