Gina Matarazzo, “Wee Worlds”

Gina Matarazzo, “Wee Worlds”
September 24th – October 23rd, 2022 Northport, NY

Haven Gallery is pleased to present “Wee Worlds”, a solo show of new work from New Jersey based artist Gina Matarazzo. “Wee Worlds” is Matarazzo’s second solo show at the gallery and features eleven new miniature oil paintings of her quintessential animal sitters cavorting about in playful compositions, costumery and amidst the landscape. This particular series focuses on critters small in size, but big in passion and personality. Each portrait is paired with a short story about the depicted, allowing us a glimpse into their tiny lives and worlds. ARTIST STATEMENT: I paint pictures, design books, hide chocolate like a squirrel (meaning, I don’t always remember where I put it), love to cook, 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, Woody Allen, 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 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. AWARDS/HONORS: My artwork has been published in Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art Vol. 22, 24 & 25. Selected for publication in Infected by Art, Vols. 3, 4, 5 & 6. (infectedbyart.com) Juried into the Main Show multiple times in the past few years for IX 9 – 12 in Reading, PA. (imaginativerealism.com) Asked to be juror for historic Philadelphia Sketch Club’s “Phillustration 9” show in 2017. Awarded second place in Philadelphia Sketch Club’s “Phillustration 8” Show in 2016.