Artist’s Journey
Ann Grasso
Artist’s Journey – Foundations
One of my earliest memories is playing with my brother’s American Bricks, a pre-cursor to Legos. Our dad enjoyed trains and had set up a wonderful track, but it lacked scenery. I built houses, a school and a church while my brother preferred to read books.
This is brick I saved and about 20 years ago I had it framed.
My grandmother lived with us, and she had a dazzling button collection, which she allowed me to “string” with a needle and thread. Was this to keep me out from underfoot? Perhaps, but it made me really happy as I looked at each one carefully.
Sunday Best, stitched mandala with pearl button
My other grandmother was a tailor; and her sister was a milliner in Boston; my mom taught me to sew. The button grandmother also taught me to knit and crochet. Years later, I taught myself to needle felt.
Better than Yesterday, needle felted tea bowl repaired with Kintsugi
In first grade, my teacher said we should learn the alphabet both forward and backward. I did. My 5th and 6th grade teachers were wondrously creative and I loved those two years of grade school the most.
Temari Alphabet Game, created for my twin grandsons.
Taking a double major in Philosophy and Psychology for my BA, there was little time for art-making those four years. However, the information absorbed provided lifelong grounding for the many situations I’ve encountered.
Identity Series: one of 108 different double squares
After undergraduate school, I had to work. I took as many classes as time and finances would allow studying architecture, interior design, art history and book restoration at RISD, Brown and local art programs.
Curiously, a high-end showroom, similar to Sheryl Wagner, NYC, opened in RI and I was hired to run it. From there, I was offered the manager’s position of the first Home Center in RI. This led to speaking nationally as well as purchasing lumber at the National Builder’s Show where I was the only female buyer. Then a boutique design firm in MA provided my last employment before I opened my own business.
Metallic Magic, close up of one section
In 1981, with fear and trembling, I opened my own business. I just closed it to new work in January 2025.
www.aegrasso.com
Moving to CT to help care for my mom in 2011 allowed me to pursue a variety of volunteer opportunities in the small town and the chance to start a nonprofit, Cromwell Creative District in 2018.
Circle, Triangle, Square–Sengai Gibbon’s symbols of Unity
During the 1990s I spent ten years studying book arts. One of the outcomes is this 67-page book discussing the then new idea of medical privacy, HIPAA, seen through the eyes of Ms. Potomus, with a bit of tongue in cheek, as Mom and I navigated the less-than-private world of HIPAA. You might note that I was questioning a return to my maiden name but since I named my first born son, Gregory, I decided shortly after this dalliance that it would be unfair to him if he were to be saddled with Gregory Gregory.
Collaborating with others is imperative in architectural building projects and it continues to be something I foster in my creative world. In 2004/5, I initiated The Box Collaborative with 12 artists across the US. It was a wonderful venture resulting in 144 pieces of art.TEA, Connecting Cultures, I created with 45 artists and it resulted in a show and video. Teaching is also a collaboration, and as a CZT, I gain a lot from my students.
Collaboration, ink and marker
When I am not creating or collaborating, I volunteer in my town on the P&Z Commission, and Cromwell Cultural District Commission, which is similar but different from Cromwell Creative District. That’s a longer story,and now…I would like to learn more about you, if you might be willing to fill out the contact information by clicking HERE.
Lotus Bowl, acrylic markers and pen
