Statement

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 at the water's 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 spirit 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 every day, 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

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Biography  

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Early Life and Influences

Russell D’Alessio was raised in suburban New Jersey, just outside the city of Manhattan. His childhood was marked by a love for outdoor activities such as playing baseball, building tree forts, and riding bikes. At the age of 17, a transformative moment occurred when a high school art teacher introduced him to a Picasso exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art. This created  his curiosity and passion for art. His father, an engineer who painted on weekends, became his earliest mentor, teaching Russ how to draw rabbits—a subject that continues to appear in his artwork.

Art Education

Russ’s formal education in art began at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts and continued at the Arts Students League in Manhattan, where he also participated in private lessons. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his artistic journey.

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Early Career and Family

As Russ entered adulthood, he took on new responsibilities. He married young and started a family, prompting him to work in graphic design at local print shops to provide for his loved ones. His talents in design led him and his wife to open a screen print shop, where Russ could showcase his skills. After some time, they sold the business and established a gallery that featured fine crafts, pottery, jewelry, and Russ’s own paintings.

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Artistic Style and Inspirations

Russ’s art is deeply inspired by his life experiences. While he was initially recognized for his landscapes, his style evolved to create artworks that reconnect adults with a sense of childlike innocence, utilizing bright, animated colors. His creative process is intuitive, often beginning with a single brushstroke that leads to emotionally charged yet peaceful scenes. One of his most cherished series, inspired by a childhood visit to Barnham and Bailey Circus, captures this whimsical spirit. Influenced by masters like Picasso and Chagall.

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Philosophy and Legacy

Russ continues to create and sell art, viewing his craft as essential nourishment for the soul. Through his paintings, he seeks to offer viewers a slice of joy and innocence, providing comfort amid the complexities of adult life. His work has been showcased in galleries throughout the United States, including notable locations in Key West and Naples, Florida. Currently, his gallery in Bar Harbor remains the primary space for his exhibitions, attracting both local and international collectors. Those who encounter his art often remark on its uplifting qualities, which Russ believes is a testament to the power of art as sustenance for the spirit.

 

"My paintings are a place where adults engage in a world of childish innocents. It’s about a perfect day, a place of eternal youth. Everything is brightly animated, emotionally charged yet peaceful. It is art to find your inner child."

– Russell D’Alessio

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