Mark Di Vincenzo has long been a staple of the arts here in Buffalo. He has contributed his work and expertise to many special projects around town while meticulously working on his own paintings.
I have been lucky enough to go to his studio and see his work when I go to pilates classes at Pilates Art Studio which is owned by his wife, Sarah Di Vincenzo. A bright painting of Mark’s always adorns the far wall, providing inspiration and happiness to all that work out there.
His latest venture is an exhibition of new paintings at Eleven Twenty Gallery; 1120 Main Street in Buffalo. His work will be displayed from April 17th through May 16th with a kickoff reception on opening night.
For those that love art or want to learn more, I strongly encourage going to view this exhibition, in hopes to encounter not only the works of art, but the artist. It is invaluable to be around such an expert while he unveils his new treasures.
I spoke to Mark about what drives him and what he is excited about leading up to his latest show:
Q: What was your inspiration for this exhibit, and in getting all of the pieces gathered for it?
A: My inspiration for the show came from working with the Park School students as a resident artist 2 ½ years ago. The project was painting small gouache paintings outside with the idea of bringing the outside in. Working with students filled me with hope, and as a result, a spark lit up and I created the series of works and it continues.
Q: What is special about the gallery space that you think will highlight your art?
A: I work large for the most part, my oils that is, there aren’t many spaces large enough for a comprehensive show. The Eleven Twenty Gallery space was offered to me, the timing was right, I have a lot of large pieces, so I was ready. I will have at least 19 oils and around 12 small gouaches exhibited.
Q: How long does one piece take you to complete, on average?
A: I never think of how much time a canvas takes, as I work on many at the same time. As an artist, we usually have drawings, studies, the building of the canvases. There are many steps to make one. I have a working system for each one.
Q: Could you share why Buffalo continues to inspire your art, and what’s special about it here?
A: Buffalo, my hometown, it’s the four seasons that moves me. I love the outdoors, I love the changes and transition from one season to another. It is very beautiful, with contrasting colors and shapes, decay to beauty. Landscape and water in particular draw me in. The compositions I see at certain times compels me to create and capture the beauty, and paint it in my way. It is freedom for me and my contribution to the world which has its struggles much like we do. I think it is important to harness beauty when we can.
If you’re in the Buffalo area and want to check out this exhibit form Mark featuring so many oils and gouache paintings, head to Eleven Twenty Gallery 1120 Main Street Buffalo, NY from April 17 through May 16. I hope you leave with as much inspiration as I do when I see his beautiful contribution to the Buffalo art scene.
Get connected: markdivincenzo.com | Instagram