ANTHONY RUSCITTO
A striking contrast of unconventional colour combinations, and angular/curved lines are what Anthony Ruscitto does best. Based in northeastern USA, he cites street art, pop art, and graffiti as sources of inspiration. These influences permeate throughout his work leading him to create bold pieces with such depth (check out his Youtube page) and assuredness that you might be surprised to find out that he is a self-taught artist. However, this detail is irrelevant when you see his artwork. The level of skill, consistency, and pure talent it takes to create such strikingly unique abstract art is admirable.
Where are you from?
I am currently living and working in Schenectady, NY. It’s about 3 hours north of NYC.
How did the quarantine affect your creative process?
Quarantine made me more aware of space and my interaction with it. I started noticing how things would change throughout the day as the lighting changed. I also gained a new appreciation and interest in shadows.
An artist you´d invite to dinner.
Alex Couwenberg and/or Deborah Zlotsky. Both are amazing artists that I turn to for inspiration. Their use of color, forms, and layering is absolutely fascinating.
Describe your art in 3 words.
Colorful, intuitive, forms.
What inspires your colour choices?
I make my decisions based on what I’m working with. I’ll start with a color, and that will inspire the next color. I don’t necessarily work with a defined palette, instead, I’ll mix colors as I go along based on what I think will work well with what’s on the canvas.
“Doing something, not because you have to, but because you want to, and in a way that isn’t limited by convention.´´
How do you keep creativity flowing?
I love seeing the work of other artists and study their pieces to try to learn more about their processes. When I feel like I’ve hit a rut I try experimenting with a new medium. Also, coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Did you always want to be an artist?
I remember drawing myself as an artist when I was very young, maybe even as early as kindergarten. I also love to dabble in woodworking and electronics and get very excited when I can combine all three in a project. I’ve also always had an interest in urban planning. I have Sim City to thank for that.
What music do you listen to when creating?
I very rarely listen to music while creating. Especially lately, I find myself working to the noise of the world around me.
Name an artist on Instagram we need to follow.
Deborah Zlotsky. Her paintings have been blowing my mind for years.
Most inspiring place you’ve visited.
Jersey City. I was in a group show down there and ended up walking around the city for a while looking at all of the amazing murals and graffiti around the city. We even came across a piece by Rubin415, aka, Tony Sjoman which was incredible. Also, MassMOCA. There are so many works there that have inspired me in so many ways.
Which is your favourite art movement?
This is a tough one, I’m torn between Bauhaus, the New York school, and pop art. I’d probably have to go with the pop art movement.
How has your art evolved over the past 3 years?
I’ve gone from very gestural to hard-edged geometric works. I still try to incorporate some gestural elements into some of my paintings, but I’ve been finding the preciseness of hard-edge painting to be more interesting.
Creativity is …
Doing something, not because you have to, but because you want to, and in a way that isn’t limited by convention.
Your favourite quote.
