Tell us how you first became interested in creating art.
My interest in art began in childhood, shaped by my father, Lorenzo Mastropasqua, a professional artist in Italy (1990’s) who transformed blank canvases into incredible portraits, landscapes, and still lifes.
I grew up watching him work; his quiet intensity, the smell of oil paints, the details of realism in his work as if one can touch, and the satisfaction and pride of accomplishment. Our home was a creative space of discipline, reflection, and creation where I engaged into personal exploration with his guidance. He taught me that art wasn't just about what you see, but how you see the world with beauty, patience, and depth. I recall his sitting next to me helping me paint my first apple. Such a loving and bonding experience. I still have the unfinished apple resting comfortably in my favorite elementary school book. His influence remains in my respect for process, form, and the discipline of daily creation in shaping my artistic journey.
My work aims to demonstrate theories of color, texture, form, and rhythm
Which artists or art movements have influenced you?
As a youth, because of my father's influence, I was deeply inspired by the great masters (Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Da Vinci) where I learned precision, symbolism, chiaroscuro, and the composition of body and spirit. Later in life, I became fascinated by the Impressionists (Matisse, Renoir, Degas) and Expressionists (Pollock, Kandinsky, de Kooning). Both movements shifted my focus from objective reality to subjective truth seeing the world through 'feeling,' shifting from reality to expressing experience, not merely about what is seen but how it's felt. Later, artists such as Picasso and Rothko showed me the value of transformation and how color can carry profound weight. Movements such as Dadaism (Picasso, Duchamp) and Surrealism (Dali, Miro, Ernst) confirmed that art can disrupt, provoke, and invent new ways of seeing. This is the exploration of dreams, the unconscious mind, and imagination beyond rational thought reflecting a deeper reality.
More of a connection between the art world and the public in support of artistic growth
How would you describe your artistic style? What inspires you?
My work aims to demonstrate theories of color, texture, form, and rhythm while creating a composition of subtle and explosive energy in a philosophy of balance. I use mixed media layered with rich, earthy acrylic pigments to build surfaces that are intentionally rough, organic, and deeply tactile. These textures act as both visual and emotional entry points, offering moments of ambiguity that invite interpretation. The concept blends Realism and Abstract art across various forms of 2D and 3D design. With a doctorate and a background as a former Art Educator, now working as a practicing Psychotherapist, my inspiration lies in creating psychologically enigmatic compositions that evoke emotion and invite the viewer to assign personal meaning through visual interpretation.
What is your favorite art accident? Did it change your perspective?
Acrylic paint tends to create a wide variety of visual effects and, at times by trial and error, incredibly unpredictable ambiguous forms and shapes. The technique creates several positive accidents until my frustration takes the best of me; I will cover it up and restart.
What is the most important thing about art to you?
The most important thing is its power to express what words can't do. Art allows us to see and feel our world differently. It's about connecting to our world through emotion, meaning, and shared human experience; making the invisible visible and the internal external.
How do you promote your art?
I aim to promote my work by building an online presence, sharing on social media, and maintaining a professional portfolio. Exhibiting in galleries, networking, collaborating, and selling through galleries or online platforms to expand visibility. Staying active within the art community to develop recognition.
What is missing from the contemporary art market? What problems do you see in contemporary art right now?
I believe more transparency and accessibility opportunities for emerging artists allow them to gain more recognition of their incredible unique talents. More of a connection between the art world and the public in support of artistic growth. Infusing the arts in the educational system where programs are underfunded or undervalued. Art education is imperative for the development of creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
What are your plans? What are you working on now?
I plan to continue painting regularly while exploring new ideas, emotions, and themes. I’m committed to experimenting with various techniques and materials to expand the depth and range of my work. I’ll also continue unveiling new pieces and exhibiting at the Southern Arizona Arts Guild (La Encantada), Skyline Country Club, and other venues such as UPWARD Gallery, Herberger Theater Center Gallery, Overlook Community Center in Oro Valley, Elevated Art, CEV Art Gallery, and Gallery 4%. I plan to maintain a strong online presence and stay active within the art community through ongoing exhibitions and engagement. Currently, I’m working on a psychologically enigmatic composition in acrylic and mixed media for an upcoming exhibit. This piece explores layered emotion and abstraction, reflecting my interest in visual storytelling through color, form, and surface tension.