Mary Ann Testagrossa Art
Come join me on my creative journey.
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
2020 in Review
Monday, September 28, 2020
Cherish
Because I take LOTS of photos of my work as I make a print, just thought I would share a few here with you.
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Spirit Guide
What motivates an artist to create a certain piece of art is usually personal. Many times an artwork carries some emotional significance to that artist. And then when the viewer sees the artwork, they are looking at it through their own personal perceptions and life experiences. I think when you are drawn strongly to a piece of art, it's because it relates to something in your own life that has value and significance.
I know this is true for my black cat artwork. I have been told many times how the work reminds someone of their own black cat, or a black cat they know.
My own artwork is full of personal symbolism. When I started printing black cats, I wanted the black cat to be seen more as a symbol for all cats, not just black ones. The inspiration behind the work is my cats, two gingers and a tuxedo cat. But as I said, I think most admirers of my cat artwork are black cat guardians.
My latest linocut print, "Spirit Guide," is layered with symbolism for me. The first layer of significance is my love of tigers. They have been my favorite wild animal for as long as I can remember. I love the beauty of these cats. Black and orange and white. What's not to love? And I love their strength and fierceness. They remind me to be brave and strong and bold. Even in my vulnerability.
But this piece is also about my cat Tiger, who recently passed away. Tiger was the first cat I ever adopted. Before I met him, I knew I wanted a ginger cat, and I knew I was going to name him Tiger, because of my love of the big cats. My cat Tiger fit his name. He was beautiful, but he was also fierce. He always had a bit of a wild streak in him, which I'm not sure a lot of guardians would have put up with. But when I adopt, it is for life, so we worked it out. Tiger was the alpha in the house, always in charge of the other furry family members, and my husband and myself. We loved him dearly.
I learned so much from having Tiger in my life, about love and caring, forgiveness, caring for a sick pet, patience, other animals. The list goes on and on. He was an inspiration in my artwork for years, and an inspiration in my life. My best companion and friend.
So another layer of symbolism for this piece is that it represents Tiger. I looked up the expression, "Spirit Guide," on Wikipedia, and they explain it like this: "In western spiritualism, a spirit guide is a spirit that remains after death, that acts as a guide or protector to a living human being." I also saw the expression explained as a guardian angel, guide, or enlightened being. An animal in spirit. I like that. It may or may not be true, but I like feeling like he is still with me in spirit. He is certainly held closely by me in my heart. I think of him every day.
So when you view my print "Spirit Guide," you may just like it because you like tigers, like I do. Or you might have other personal meaning that you see in this piece. Either way, I hope you enjoy this print.
Sunday, September 6, 2020
The Path Made Clear
Every week day morning, I like to start my day with a walk. I just started listening to audio books, and what I like to listen to is inspiration. It helps fire me up as I walk, giving me extra energy, and also inspires and motivated for my coming day.
One book I listened to recently, is an audio book by Oprah Winfrey called "The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose." I LOVED it. Oprah wrote it and reads it. It is full of her philosophy and life experiences, as well as wisdom from others she has interviewed over the years including, to name a few, Elizabeth Gilbert, Deepak Chopra, Ellen Degeneres, Joel Osteen and many, many more.
As a child, I was in touch with my purpose at a young age. But I was not raised in a family that encouraged me to follow that path. I think like many people, my parents were practical folks, thinking an artist's path some magical fairy tale, and unachievable and impractical goal. "Be an accountant," I was told, "you're good at math. Be a banker." Anything but an artist.
Part of what this book talks about is how you really have to believe in yourself, believe that what you want is achievable, and that you can have it or achieve it. Once you start moving towards that goal, life will unfold before you to help you move in the direction of your dreams.
Oh, there is so much wisdom in this book. My description is just one small tidbit from it. If you like being inspired, and inspired about living the life of your dreams, I would highly recommend reading or listening to this book. I even bought the book itself after I listened the audio version. That is how much it inspired me.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Center of the Universe
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"Center of the Universe," in two color versions |
Do you have a cat in your life that you consider to be the "center of the universe?" I bet you do.
And I do too. My eldest cat, Tiger. Tiger is the inspiration behind this particular print. He is the center of MY universe. Adopted him 13 year ago, and he has changed my life for the better in so many ways. Cats can do that.
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"Center of the Universe," black ink on white paper |
I have been drawn to the symbol of the mandala for many years. As a symbol, the mandala represents the universe. "Mandala is a Sanskrit word, that loosely translates to mean 'circle' or 'center.' Mandalas are circular designs symbolizing the notion that life is never ending. The imagery depicts the universe and the symbols represent one’s spiritual journey, the cycles of birth-life-death, and the interconnectedness of all living things." I like that.
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"Center of the Universe," gold metallic ink on black paper |
So this print, "Center of the Universe," is all about the special connection we have with our four legged furry friends.
(Information about Mandalas from:
http://spiritualawakening.weebly.com/mandalas-what-are-they.html)
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Best Day of My Life
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Tiger, my buddy. |
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"Magic Carpet," print inspired by a photo of Tiger. |
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"Wise One," print inspired by a photo of Tiger. |
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Black Cat Awareness Month
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Black Cat Handmade Prints @MaryAnnTestagrossaArt |
"The creation of International Black Cat Awareness Month came about after it’s creator, Layla Morgan Wilde, noticed that while there are two days dedicated to black cats in the world (One in the UK, one in the US) there wasn’t anything dedicated to them on a national level. Such an observation is desperately needed, as superstitions surrounding black cats had gotten so out of control that shelters won’t even adopt them out during October any longer. Too often the cats were being adopted as part of the Halloween holiday mystique, and would be abandoned or worse after the holiday passed. Throughout the rest of the year, it’s typically more difficult to get them adopted. How much more difficult? Black cats have the longest wait in shelters and are adopted at a rate 50% lower than any other color of cat, which we can’t understand at all." Shelters across the country call this "black cat syndrome." Black cats are overlooked again and again by adopters because they associate them with bad luck, black magic, and other negative superstitions.
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Black Cat Handmade Prints @MaryAnnTestagrossaArt |
This issue doesn’t apply to only solid black cats. Tuxedo cats, cats with a white chest and sometimes paws, are equally hard to place. I can tell you personally, we have a tuxedo cat and he is the best. We adopted him from a local shelter, and he is funny, playful and so loving. One of our best adoptions yet.
What can you do to help black cats:
1. Adopt a black or tuxedo cat, or two, from a local shelter.
2. Keep your black cat indoors, especially at Halloween time.
3. Donate to black cat organizations.
4. Donate to cat shelters.
5. If you are a black cat guardian, talk to people about how great your black cat is. Educate people.
(Above quote shared from: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-black-cat-awareness-month/)