Description
‘Sweet Slumber’ by Gina Matarazzo
Artist: Gina Matarazzo
Title: ‘Sweet Slumber’
Medium: Oil on gessoboard
Dimensions: 10″ x 8″
Framing: Framed (frame size: 12″ x 10″)
Year of Creation: 2021
Artwork Will Ship From: USA
About the Artwork:
“After a fine and productive day of foraging and exploring, his heavy eyelids lulled him into a deep sleep. This fellow is just so ROUND and plump! I would imagine if I held him in my palm he’d squirt right out of it, if I squeezed him ever so slightly!
I choose to depict animals in my work, because they are free from ego and truly know how to “be.” I believe that when we look at animals, we instinctively pick up on that sincerity and it opens up our emotions of joy, love and compassion. If we allow those feelings to flow freely within each of us, it can change our perception or point of view, and help make the world a better place. As adults, we can become jaded by life, due to disappointment in the world around us, all of life’s many challenges and heartache. I want my work to remind you to be open to moments of wonder, feel joy, experience peace, believe in hope and see the beauty that exists around you. It does exist if you look for it.” – Gina Matarazzo
About the Artist:
(Artist Bio)
I paint pictures, design books, hide chocolate like a squirrel (meaning, I don’t always remember where I put it), own and operate 22 hula hoops (not all at once), sometimes lose paintbrushes in my hair, get caught on doorknobs frequently, work too much (because I love it!), look for creative opportunities with EVERYTHING, love looking at academic paintings in person and spending time with my cats and husband. I love COLOR and DETAILS and SECRETS and STORIES and EVERYTHING about the creative process, especially the challenge and the hard work.
I believe there are hidden secrets, wonders and joys of the world right under our noses every day. I enjoy creating art that celebrates the things that are often overlooked and taken for granted. When is the last time you really looked at the sky or the sprightly little rabbit in your yard? What does that dog of yours dream about? I think everyone needs to slow down and pay more attention to what’s going on around them. With a little creative license, I aim to show you a magical way of looking at ordinary things.
In the past, my primary focus was designing and illustrating album covers for a wide variety of recording artists across a great spectrum of music genres. My client list has included Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Glen Phillips, Peter Tork, 88.5 WXPN and Austin Music. I have also done freelance work on books, toys, and textiles for clients including Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw Hill, and Running Press Books. Currently, I also design books for Bookbaby in any and every genre and style that comes across my desk.
I live with my illustrator husband, Matt Stewart and cats Gwendolyn, Cecily and Georgie in southern New Jersey where at certain spot between trees, you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful Philadelphia skyline in the distance.