GINA MINICHINO
Artist Statement
After an education in cartooning at School of Visual Arts in New York City, I started painting. I found I was able to render well, and really got a kick out of painting as photo realistically as I could. Over the years I’ve discovered that being photo realistic doesn’t matter to me much. My desire is to portray my subjects in a realistic way, but I very much like the viewer to get close and see the brush strokes.
I’ve chosen to focus on subjects that mean something to me. Having grown up with quite a sweet tooth, I’ve indulged in my fair share. Candies, cakes, and bubblegum have always meant moments of happiness and comfort as a child. Now as an adult, though I don’t eat them as much, I have a new relationship with these foods.
I examine the packaging and consider the well thought out design that a team of graphic artists had created. I enjoy rendering and recreating the texture of the foods with the contrast of the smooth, shiny or waxy packaging. My works tend to have a quiet contemplative look. My desire is for the viewer to look closely at these objects and possibly see them with a new appreciation, and to preserve the art and design of these iconic products from the time I live in.
I’ve chosen to focus on subjects that mean something to me. Having grown up with quite a sweet tooth, I’ve indulged in my fair share. Candies, cakes, and bubblegum have always meant moments of happiness and comfort as a child. Now as an adult, though I don’t eat them as much, I have a new relationship with these foods.
I examine the packaging and consider the well thought out design that a team of graphic artists had created. I enjoy rendering and recreating the texture of the foods with the contrast of the smooth, shiny or waxy packaging. My works tend to have a quiet contemplative look. My desire is for the viewer to look closely at these objects and possibly see them with a new appreciation, and to preserve the art and design of these iconic products from the time I live in.
