We recently connected with Constance Pappalardo and have shared our conversation below.

Constance , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was born in Lima, Peru but it was not until we immigrated to the states, living in New York City that my love of art blossomed. My mother , recently widowed, took myself and my brother to museums and galleries from an early age. I grew up looking at some of the best art in the world. As a teenager, I started painting and my work was received well by teachers and friends. Early on, I was aware that I had a singular style and after further study at the Art Students League and The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan my desire to paint professionally grew.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 1976, while studying painting at the School of Visual Arts, I had a spiritual/mystical experience that took me on a path to question my artistic path. I left the art world for over 10 years to do missionary work in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands. Periodically, I would attempt to draw or paint only to feel totally uninspired.

A few years later, back in the states I married and had 4 children. We settled in Cary, NC and my artistic dreams were so foreign to me at that point. I could scarcely believe that I had ever felt an inclination towards that artistic life.
Fast forward to 2003 and the tragic death of our first son, Josh. At 17 he had been fighting depression since adolescence and when he could no longer endure the darkness, he took his own life.
It was about 6 months later, on a flight back home from a 30 year High School Reunion in New York City that (for lack of a better word) I felt the calling to take my place back in art. It was as clear as if someone had spoken clearly to me. It’s time to start painting again. No question. No doubt.
Landing in Raleigh, I went home and ordered canvases and paint. I was prepared to continue the process of grieving my son’s passing through my art but what happened surprised me completely. The work that poured out of me was full of color, optimism and joy. The work was abstract in many ways but leaving room for the viewer to see a landscape, or ocean or sky. Nothing was planned. It was all intuitive. When I was a young artist in the 1970s, I felt that I needed to express my anger and disappointment in order to be taken seriously as painter. My work was dark and brooding. Browns, greys and Indigo were my palette and solitary figures in interiors were my subjects. Since losing my son, everything changed and I could understand how profoundly beauty and hope can be expressed in art.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

My greatest joy is when selling a painting, the customer speaks about the peace and joy they feel from the work. I want my work to bring a positive vibration to a home or office environment. I want them to be transcended from whatever struggle in their lives and feel serenity and hope in my work.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social Media is a demanding beast to tame and my advice is to not let it consume your time, time that you should be spending in the studio, Is it necessary? Absolutely but there are many little traps we can fall prey to. One trap that almost derailed me was when scrolling (as you do) I was taking in all the hundreds of other painters online! It was too much and being human, jealousy and lack of confidence tried to get the better of me. It always feels, looks like someone out there is a better artist that you and is more successful and selling so much more than you and winning so many prizes and being accepted into all the best galleries! Comparing yourself to others has always been a trial for any creative soul but with social media it is just so much worse than when I got started.

So my advice is try not to spend hours looking at other’s work (unless they inspire you of course) and keep your hand on your own pulse. Who are you? What do you have that no other artist has? What is your story and how can you share that with the world.? On a more practical note; When promoting a sale, or a show are any “Art News” online, it is a good practice to give credit when credit is due. Tag the gallery, the venue, the gallery rep. Always show gratitude. We don’t get anywhere alone in this world. There is always someone who has given us just the right support.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pappalardoart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constancepappalardoart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pappalardoart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constance-pappalardo-4290161/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConniePappalar3
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClJF5zgzZ2ZOg5pxUhOk2GQ