We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sal Cosenza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sal below.

Sal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The worst investment is usually the trap of buying “next gen” devices or software. Chances are, you don’t need that latest version of the iPhone, so long as your older phone has a decent enough camera that takes clear images of your work. The same could be said about the latest versions of Adobe or Revit or any other software. Buy it once and then stretch things out is all I’m trying to say, because the money saved buying the latest version of something could go towards things like buying new canvases or developing your website.

Sal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My work is an extension of my endless pursuit for good craft and great storytelling, and my projects revolve around painting and design education, with an emphasis on architecture and interior design. I’m also an occasional podcaster and burgeoning author (whose novel is currently being edited).

Painting’s been with me ever since my parents, Belle and Sal Sr., signed me up for children’s art workshops at a very young age, and I haven’t stopped since. Nowadays, I teach and co-teach Interior Design courses at ASU, and my paintings are carried by Art One Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ. But whether I’m teaching about design, writing, or working on a new painting, there’s an attention to detail and a strong emphasis on concept that’s prevalent throughout my work, because I believe any great project demands a unique origin story.

I think I owe a lot of what I do to one of my dad’s friends from long ago, who once gave me the following thoughtful commandment: “God gave you a gift…USE IT!” Who am I to go against that?

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding parts of being a painter is to just tell stories with that medium. Each painting I’m lucky enough to create is either a snapshot or some big epic thing – but either way, there’s a composed narrative framework holding it all together. To bring an idea out onto a canvas and then to share it with others is a magical part of the creative journey for me.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The arts should generally be viewed like how we handle math, sports, and science in our schools, that is, with reverence. But aside from better recognizing the benefits of a creative education, I wish that society – and the media in particular – would downplay the more elitist aspects of the art world in favor of more relatable, community-centric stories where art plays an important role. I think that the many stories about artwork selling for millions to some private collector at some private auction house actually cheapen the power of art, because these stories play into the age-old stereotype of art being some type of superficial commodity that’s enjoyed by just a select few. Art should be for everybody.

Also, we should never forget that art often holds a mirror to society. Just take a look at the Lascaux Cave paintings from thousands of years ago, which were not only a reflection of their culture’s hunting practices, but also a reflection of what that culture valued and honored.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://salcosenza.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salcosenzaartdesign/
• Other: https://artonegalleryinc.com/artist/sal-cosenza

Image Credits
All Artwork Images © SAL COSENZA ART + DESIGN