Artist Statement
“My art background is in drawing and painting. When I was introduced to the field of calligraphy about thirty years ago, it became a new source of inspiration for pieces combining shape, line, texture and color. While my beginnings in lettering covered many years of rendering words and quotations, both commercially and as original works of art, I became interested in the shapes and forms that are inherent in letterforms, using them as inspiration for more abstract pieces. I have also enjoyed combining images from nature and the human figure with calligraphy.
For the past three years I have become immersed in painting watercolors. I enjoy the fluidity and layering possibilities of the medium. I paint both natural and man made subject matter from unusual points of view, focusing on shape, line and texture in a variety of compositions that often include only a portion of the subject, positioned in a way to draw the viewer into the page. In the future, I hope to expand my work in new directions, including works which combine lettering and watercolor.
For me, a painting is an adventure. I enjoy the opportunity for discoveries
and personal growth that come with each new work. It is my hope that others
might see things in different ways after viewing my paintings, and that
they feel an emotional connection to each piece.”
Biography
Sharon Rowley Morgio holds a BFA in Art Education and Painting from Hartford Art School of the University of Hartford, followed by graduate studies at SCSU. A former teacher of art in the North Branford Schools, she left her teaching position to pursue a graphic arts job which led to her first class in calligraphy with Branford calligrapher Pamela LaRegina. She eventually opened a calligraphy shop in New Haven, doing business as Goosefeather Graphics. Freelance work included over 50 greeting card designs for the former Recycled Paper Products card company as well as logo designs and other commissions which incorporated hand lettering.
After taking time off to raise a family, Sharon returned to the art field
and began to study watercolor at Creative Arts Workshop with Judy Atlas.
She has been painting in water media ever since, and hopes to combine
her calligraphy and watercolor in future work. A member of the Connecticut
Watercolor Society, Calligraphers’ Guild of New Haven and the Hamden
Art League, Sharon exhibits throughout Connecticut. She has been a member
of Elm City Artists, LLC, a cooperative gallery in New Haven, since October
2007.
Back to Celebrations:
Artist List or Watercolor