Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anthony ( Seper ) Torcasio. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Anthony ( Seper ) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
“All of my projects hold personal significance, but one stands out for its unique nature and profound sentimental value. Unexpectedly, I received an email from Leah Douglas, the art director of Philadelphia International Airport, inviting me to participate in the ‘It’s a Wrap 2’ project. She requested a meeting to explore the designated location for the project within the airport premises. Excitedly, I promptly confirmed my interest and scheduled a meeting with her. Upon arriving at Terminal A for our meeting, Leah guided me through the area, showcasing existing artwork that surrounded the space earmarked for my installation. Observing the artistry, including pieces by close acquaintances and unfamiliar artists, sparked overwhelming inspiration and admiration within me. Eventually, Leah led me to three expansive windows and explained her vision: she wanted me to craft wooden sculptures for these specific windows. Momentarily pausing to ponder the task, I quickly visualized a plan and eagerly agreed. Leah sensed my enthusiasm, further fueling the excitement for the project.
However, during the creation of the three 7ft x 7ft wooden sculptures, an unexpected challenge arose. My creative assistant, Michael Ciccirello, faced a crisis as his wife suffered an ankle injury just before the crucial phase of cutting the sculptures. This setback meant I risked missing the deadline. Fueled by time pressure, I sought a solution. Fortuitously, while attending a friend’s birthday celebration, I recalled a talented carpenter, Chris Campuzano, who happened to be a mutual acquaintance. Desperate, I reached out to Chris, explained the situation, and he graciously agreed to help. Chris’s swift involvement rescued the project, and I remain indebted to him; I even owe him a dinner, which I intend to honor.
What rendered this project profoundly meaningful to me was its unconventional setting within an airport—a departure from the typical gallery or museum exhibition space. Crafting oversized wooden sculptures, a first-time endeavor for me, added to its distinctiveness. Overcoming the challenges and hurdles associated with this significant undertaking made it an exceptionally memorable and meaningful project for me
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Anthony ( Seper ) Torcasio, and I specialize in Color-field abstract painting. Through my artistic expression, I craft murals, paintings, and sculptures, exploring various mediums to redefine my identity as an artist. Each Christmas, I eagerly anticipated art supplies, my favorite gift of the year. By the age of four or five, I discovered a profound love for creativity. It all begins with an impassioned dedication to my craft, propelling me to create something deeply satisfying. This drive emboldens me to confront any artistic challenge, drawing from my determination to overcome obstacles. Upon completing a creation, I’m rewarded with self-belief, knowing my passion empowers me to achieve greatness. My earliest memories involve joyously sketching beloved cartoon characters and transforming toys into new creations. Initially, I traced images but soon transitioned to visualizing and materializing ideas—from mind to hand coordination. Over time, I realized my unconventional approach was more impactful. Instead of relying on tracing, I’d redraw images without it, experiencing frustration until around the 29-minute mark, where I’d freely envision and create from my unique perspective. This approach extended to my art classes, where I diverged from prescribed assignments, earning recognition for my unique execution of techniques. To this day, I prioritize personal authenticity over conforming to external expectations. My journey as an artist was an organic evolution sparked by nurturing a creative connection with my daughter. In the spring of 2013, I introduced Adrianna, then two years old, to the world of art and expression. Together, we explored and experimented, unveiling a new artistic style influenced by the graffiti street scene of my youth, further refined through our collaborative exploration. My artworks are expressions of individuality, each one distinct and designed to captivate viewers. The process involves crafting wooden-framed canvases by hand. My daughter applies base colors using acrylic or house paint, while I use spray paint to create intricate designs. Often, I harmonize or customize colors to complement her base coat, catering to clients’ spaces when needed. This artistic journey has propelled me beyond canvases, leading me to create public murals across Philadelphia, diverse installations, sculptures, and ventures into photography, capturing unique abstract long-exposure images akin to my paintings. Furthermore, I share a creative bond with my five-year-old son through photography, embarking on nature walks to capture landscapes, insects, flowers, and occasionally staging playful toy photoshoots. Philadelphia, PA, has been my lifelong home, a place steeped in our family’s history, where I raise my family. My aspiration is to leave a legacy of our collaborative works for my children and future grandchildren to cherish and take pride in.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
“I am constantly learning and evolving as a creative practitioner. Throughout my creative journey, three particular books profoundly impacted and enlightened me. ‘Mastery’ by Robert Greene was the first book that elucidated and expanded upon my early experiences and feelings, providing me with new insights and approaches to my craft. It deepened my understanding and introduced a new perspective on my creative path. Another influential book, ‘The Power of Positive Thinking’ by Norman Vincent Peale, taught me the significance of affirming goals and harnessing positive emotions. Understanding the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, especially when faced with unforeseen challenges, has been invaluable, both in my creative process and in navigating life’s unexpected hurdles.
The third book, ‘Handbook Pricing Ethical Guidelines’ by the Graphic Artists Guild, may seem specific to graphic artists, but its lessons on the business side of art are universally applicable. Despite not being a graphic artist, this book educated me on crucial aspects such as drafting contracts, professionally engaging with clients, and setting clear expectations. Its business philosophy transcends graphic design and applies across various artistic domains, significantly enhancing my approach to my craft.
I dedicate time each day to reading, devoting at least half an hour, sometimes extending to an hour, to enrich my knowledge and refine my craft. Currently, I’m engrossed in ‘The Photographer’s Guide to Posing’ authored by Lindsey Adler, a book aiding me in further developing my photography skills.
During leisure moments, I enjoy listening to Bob Ross videos on my phone, finding his words and philosophy profoundly soothing and inspiring. Prior to bedtime, I seek out documentaries or art history narratives that captivate and enlighten me. When documentaries or research are unavailable, I indulge in an audiobook version of ‘As A Man Thinketh’ by James Allen to relax and learn simultaneously.
My passion for learning extends to diverse resources, whether it involves reading books, watching informative videos, documentaries, or engaging in hands-on experimentation. I’ve discovered that experimenting with my creative ideas yields immense growth, enabling me to apply existing knowledge while acquiring new insights to bring my artistic visions to life.”
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
“As an artist, one of the most personally rewarding aspects for me lies in the profound sense of freedom and the serene state of mind I experience while engrossed in the act of painting or creating. This sensation is unlike any other I encounter in various aspects of life. Engaging in my creative process offers a deeply therapeutic experience, particularly when I immerse myself in the present moment. One might even liken my creative process to a form of meditation—a journey that leads me to the gratification of completion. Sometimes, I find myself in a meditative state for hours, especially when encountering complexities within the creative process, in pursuit of that deeply satisfying feeling. Other times, this sensation arrives swiftly, influenced by my present emotional state. If I’m grappling with frustrations in other facets of life, painting becomes my solace, a tool to address and alleviate those frustrations. Conversely, during moments of joy, my creative endeavors amplify and elevate that happiness, culminating in the accomplishment of a new project.
This meditative mindset was a childhood development for me. When my mother would discipline me by sending me to my room and taking away my toys, I discovered solace in drawing and painting to uplift my spirits. This unintentional yet deliberate act inadvertently nurtured my burgeoning love for art. It’s only now, as I reflect and pen these thoughts, that I realize I unknowingly engaged in art therapy during my childhood without comprehending its essence.”
Contact Info:
- Website: Storcasio.com
- Instagram: @Seper215
- Facebook: Seper A. Torcasio
Image Credits
Photo credit belongs to: Snap Kracker