We had the good fortune of connecting with Corey Ceccarelli and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Q - Hi Corey, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
A - Art is synonymous with all that is life. Creative outlets & endeavours in many capacities has forever been in my life, through my parents, grandparents and great grand parents Art has been a living breathing paramount aspect in my personal life and upbringing.
I didn’t choose Art, it chose me. There was no pursuing it, throughout the stages of my life I found myself engaging in the creation of something through various mediums. Drawing, producing detailed skits as a child with friends, in high school creating a children’s book that went on display in the city public library, writing/directing/producing short and feature length independent films as a young adult, and now, visual arts – in the realm of canvas art, installation art, sculptures and so forth.
This life was meant as an Artist and there is no moving on to anything else, for everything else is deemed inappeasable.
Q - Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
A - Growing up I was constantly asking myself if I would ever loose my ambition tendencies, perhaps a reduction in my curiousness, or have my imagination devoured and taken over by other less desirable distractions in life….this is yet to happen and I don’t predict this will occur in the foreseeable future. I remain a child at play when exploring the depths of art.
I often enjoy the simple freedom in expressing my imagination and placing this onto something physical that can be viewed and experienced by the individual. My interest in recent subject matters have allowed me the liberation to express the depths of my consciousness and push the barriers in art and creation. Main themes as of the last several years have been the following: Perception/Senses – Science – Nature – Sexuality. Often amalgamating these themes.
I truly and thoroughly enjoy the exploration of endless possibilities in everything that is Art.
Being a part of Art Basel 2022 was an experience I will forever cherish and a goal for 2023.
Recalling my first solo exhibition, I was very fortunate to have had a well respected art critic attend my exhibition and provided a positive review, and was then published in various newspapers. This was a positive personal achievement in having an art peer provide feedback. Other journalists covering that particular exhibition utilized titles such as: “Artist sets sights on the World”. An achievement I wish to pursue. These are constant reminders on personal accomplishments yet to be “conquered”. More than anything I want to push the boundaries in Art, to express my thoughts, and have the viewer “feel” when observing my art. Having my next solo art exhibition at the well respected O’Connor Gallery in Gananoque, Ontario, Canada is an opportunity to further explore my development in the visual arts. (June 16th, 2023 is the Verssinage and will be on for a months time)
Another opportunity which exists that I am excited for is on being accepted for a Master Arts Residency in Berlin, Germany that takes place during the months of August – September – October of 2023 will be yet another great feat to be had.
Working eminently hard at this process is essential, as others do in their lines of passion. It is a lifetime achievement and will never be conclusive, a forever process. Many hours in solitude makes this an often challenging and lonely process. From time to time I find myself around good friends, steady family members, reading awe inspiring books, listening to powerful music, immersing myself in nature, eating healthily and exercising along with loving off my dog Noah, these are all elements in keeping myself sane & plugged into a dynamic & beautiful World.
It is remarkably easy to get distracted by exterior factors, hence why moments of solitude is essential. During these moments I find I’m at my best with creating art.
Q - Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A - Regarding one of the greatest place on earth, Miami, I wouldn’t hesitate to take this friend to the Wynwood Walls and take in all the many restaurants, galleries and unique stores that Wynwood has to offer. This location will occupy at least three to four days worth of lifestyle adventures. Personally, another stop has to be the Beach – North – Mid – South beach. There are so many beautiful spots to experience that it is next top impossible to detail. Simply engaging in the physicality of beach volleyball, walks on the beach and swimming in the ocean are all things I absolutely love to do and would share with any friend or family member.
Q - Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A - My Mother Gisèle Gauthier, in particular, had a significant influence in my life as an artist as she herself is an artist for life. She works in the medium of oils on canvas and has been an endless supporter in everything I have accomplished in my life and continue to strive for.
Dennis O’Connor of O’connor Gallery in Gananoque is not only the owner but also my mentor & art manager in the life of art. His boundless knowledge, experience, support & guidance has been remarkably important in my pursuit to produce art around the World, breaking barriers & expanding my repertoire.
Website: https://www.ancientgrotto.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceccarelli_art/
