Future Artist in Show
Every few months we feature a new local artist.
Brianne Valentino
Brianne Valentino is a 30 year old artist from Vernon, New Jersey. She graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in photography.
Brianne’s Work
Brianne’s paintings are a reflection of fascination with color and texture. She uses neon and metallic colors to create a sense of vibrancy and energy in her work. Through the use of texture, Brianne aims to create a three-dimensional experience that invites the viewer to explore the painting from different angles. Brianne’s paintings often have added depth and dimensionality that was created by adding repeated layers, which often take months to complete.
About The Artist
Valentino’s journey as an artist began in her youth. Born in Vernon, New Jersey, she showed an early interest in the arts. The catalyst to her artistic journey was a birthday gift, a point and shoot polaroid camera given to her by her aunt.
In high school, Valentino began taking photography classes and learning the basics of film. Her uncle gifted her his old film camera, which aided in her development and fostered her passion for photography. Valentino went on to study photography at Sussex County Community College. After completing her Associates Degree, she transferred to Montclair State University. Valentino was awarded the area award for photography in her class’s BFA exhibition at Montclair.
Valentino became a multidisciplinary artist after several family members were diagnosed with cancer. She would go into her studio space and create three dimensional layered paintings, allowing herself to heal and deal with all of the grief she was experiencing. Painting was an emotional release and allowed Valentino a way to express herself fully without affecting other people’s emotional state. After dealing with the loss of her grandmother and aunt, Valentino continued to find joy in painting and invested more time into learning the medium.
After creating an entire series of three dimensional paintings, Valentino continued her practice by learning about creating layers in artwork to give it depth. Her new series involves the use of catalyst tools to create layered acrylic paintings. Valentino’s primary subject matter is abstract because she feels the need to express herself through brushstrokes and mark making, which allow her to clear her mind. Each brushstroke and color choice is based upon her mood which varies daily. The intensity and technique used varies each day and can include posca markers for fine detailing near the end of each creation.
Valentino has had her work exhibited in various areas such as New York City, Greece, New Paltz, and North Dakota. She currently has work in various galleries across New Jersey. She had a solo exhibition at Green Door Studio titled Value People. Her solo show titled Energized is currently installed at End of Elm. She is represented by Artlab Gallery in Mendham, NJ.
