Moving Toward The Infinite

"The eye, a strange balloon, moves toward the infinite" a 19th century lithograph by Odilon Redone was the first artwork to capture my imagination when I was a teen. To me this print speaks volumes about art life and human potential. Its foreground anchors us a the waters edge while a large hairy eyeball floats above the horizon like a mythical balloon, carrying our hopes toward the heavens. Its frightful appearance is somehow neutralized by its lofty intent. The best works of art come out of this push and pull swing of emotion. Love and hate, fear and desire. The tragic to the sublime are the tensions that somewhere in between we find the intrigue we call art. Art comes from somewhere outside our conscious intentions. Too much deliberation can be toxic, leaving it void of sprit and lacking emotion, I mostly begin painting from the abstract and find my way toward the figurative. The challenge is not so much where to begin, but where to finish. I like to work on several pieces at a time leaving the studio full of canvas at various stages of development. I suppose I do not consider a painting finished until the client comes and takes it away. In the course of everyday, I try and move on my own path of discovery. I try not to limit myself to one medium or genre. I do prefer my work to be spontaneous expressionist and allegorical beyond that who knows where tomorrow will lead. If I could paint with the fire of Picasso and the soul of Chagall, I would certainly find my nirvana. For now, I am content to paint all I can with my feet on the ground and my eye fixed on the strange balloon moving toward the infinite.

Russell   D'Alessio

Russell D'Alessio, born in New Jersey he has been a resident of the coast ofMaine for over 30 years.  Mostly self-taught, preferring to learn by creating through his own self expression, he has had several years of formal training at schools in New Jersey and New York City.  He exhibits works in a variety of mediums; printmaking, photography, and collage, while his major works, acrylic on canvas command the most attention.

D'Alessio's paintings are reflections of his creative mind, enhanced by his zest for life, rich choice of colors and style.  Themes for his paintings are drawn from his own independent life in rural Maine; they then merge with the cosmopolitan reality of our modern society.  His expressions of universal humanistic ideals, connecting man to his physical surroundings flow easily through his works and have a timeless appeal.  Persistence in creativity has permitted him to create beautiful flowing pieces and develop into a sensitive and mature artist.

His works can be found internationally and for three decades have been commissioned by individuals and corporations.  His work is currently available at his Studio in Dedham, Maine, the Pretty Marsh Gallery in Bar Harbor, Maine, and on the web.