Interview
Morag Pitoscia
Morag Pitoscia is a self taught artist that works to create art to invoke a feeling and ignite emotions within her viewers. Her art encompasses feelings from within herself and her viewers. Morag has taken workshops at 4 Cats Studio, and online workshops such as Bold School workshop. Morag's artwork has been displayed at coffee shops in Ontario, a family run furniture store “Joshua Creek Furniture,” throughout friends and families homes, and at The University of Toronto during a Diversity Exhibit 2018. To Morag the canvas allows her to express herself freely in a nonverbal way, shouting volumes for her viewers. Her canvas offers a place of safety, comfort, intense colour and thought. Artists that have inspired Morag are Nielly Francoise, Voka, even a local artist Anthony Ricciardo.
Her abstract art signifies the many layers, and colors people carry around with them building character, personality, and an energy. People, faces, and bold expressions allow Morag to convey a story that can go untold. With each displaced palette knife stroke, dipped in a multitude of vibrant acrylic colors, Morag unleashes an emotion that turns a blank stare into a captivating story. Sometimes this energy invokes a displaced sense, all the while emitting strong emotions. Morag transfers her energy onto a blank canvas, to invoke a response to the observer to be inspired, moved, and perhaps feel alive!
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I am a self-taught artist. I started this colourful journey while staying home with my kids. It allowed me to explore my artistic side and provided an array of comfort, curiosity and wonder. I was always athletic and loved how exercise could take me to another world and provide a challenge, then I discovered the magic of painting and its magnetic energy it brought to me and others. It became addictive, electric and brought new possibilities and joy.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I love pop art, pallet knife and big bold trends.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My work aims to say live loud, live colourful and take that step no matter how scary it seems. Embrace who you are! Sometimes, my art has a theme; other times my art displays a moment in time.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My work is a work in progress. I plan my pieces in my mind for days sometimes weeks even moths before I touch the canvas. If you could only see the wheels turning. As soon as the light shines bright and I have walked past my canvas enough times, it’s show time.”
“Sometimes, my art has a theme; other times my art displays a moment in time.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I feel a pull toward a piece, whatever I feel is needed to express and for whom, then I research ideas, examine colour, then as I put paint onto palette I feel a certain energy toward colour composition. I love bright bold colours I feel they bring out energy, playfulness and expression. Palette knife allows for sharp movement and a nice blend of colour. I love texture and the way it smears on the canvas.”
What does your art mean to you?
“My art means expression, communication, emotions, a way to share energy and connection with others.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“My favourite artwork is a portrait I made a few years ago. It carries a lot of emotion and reminds me of a transitional time.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have had my art displayed at a University of Toronto exhibit for ‘diversity,’ I have had my art displayed in coffee shops and furniture stores. I also had my first art show last month.”
Website: www.moragsart.com
Instagram: @moraglovesart
