“[Art] always felt like a way to immerse myself in my own world without limitations,” Brandon Mariano says.

Mariano, an SU senior art student, has two pieces currently displayed in the Kauffman Gallery in the Huber Arts Center and works as an assistant in the gallery. 

The pieces’ abstract expressionism — made with acrylic paint on canvas — are part of the 2022 Senior Art Exhibit. As a self-described “evolving artist,” Mariano likes to explore different mediums and convey meaningful ideas, he said. 

“Art feels like it’s always been part of my life in some way or another,” Mariano said. He was exposed to art since his childhood. His father had some drawing skills which he was intrigued by. Although art has its struggles, Mariano gets in touch with his inner self through it. “Once the proper skills have been acquired, art is a boundless tool of expression that can be used to reach and inspire others as well.” 

Mariano finds inspiration online and in nature. While there is a plethora of information online, it can also be a hindrance to his art, he said. Such an influx of information is distracting and takes away from his originality and creation. To find inspiration in nature, Mariano takes walks and observes his surrounding for shapes, color and angles. 

“Honestly, I think the best place to find inspiration is through nature, as it being the ultimate example of creation,” he said. His most current project is another piece of abstract expressionism for his Art II class, he said. 

“This particular genre is exciting to me because of the limitless opportunities for expression through configurations of color, shape or form. There are so many different feeling and emotions that can be portrayed,” he said. Even as a senior, Mariano is still working toward finding his distinctive style. 

The largest piece he has ever made, which is in the senior art gallery, is his favorite piece. Mariano used a brush larger than any he has used before enabling him to paint bigger and longer lines. It was a different experience from small scale paintings, he said. 

“The process of creation felt new and different, and consisted of layering colors on top of and next to each other and constantly adjusting to create interesting shapes and contrasting areas,” Mariano said. 

To see his work displayed in the senior art exhibit, visit the Kauffman Gallery in the Huber Arts Center on campus. The gallery is open different times through the week, so check the full schedule at www.ship.edu/academics/colleges/cas/programs/art/facility/gallery/schedule/.

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