Orazio De Gennaro

Italian born - from the southern region of Campania, home to the ancient Roman sites of Pompei and Ercolano - the artist states " My work references the land of my ancestors. Over the years, the elements of that land - the light, texture, shadows, color and the actual materials themselves - earth pigments, lime, marble dust - have formed the essence of an “inner landscape" and have become a reference point for my work. I was trained as a sculptor and the “feel" of the material is central to my work. The use of and commitment to unconventional handmade tactile materials is essential for me. I use an earth palette which includes handmade lime paint, pigments, graphite, handmade oil pastel, sand, dirt, and straw. The creation of these materials in the studio is an essential component of my process. I build up the surface, adding layers,
sometimes scrape away, and often take a torch to what remains. This physical engagement establishes an intimate relationship with these active substances leading to a sense of immediacy, depth, and freshness."