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Gloria Cigolini-DePietro - Fine Artist
As far back as Gloria Cigolini can recall, creativity has been her healer, her solace, her friend and joy. This experience of awakening to life through creativity permeates all her work.
Born prematurely and later diagnosed with a life-threatening childhood disease, Cigolini spent much of her early youth in hospitals. After surviving several near death experiences, Cigolini remembers most vividly her intense desire to break free and recover. Creative projects she completed while a patient opened up a world of joy and healing. She knew she would commit her life to painting and drawing.
Growing up, Cigolini spent much time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where the works of Matisse and Bonnard greatly influenced her. She attended New York's School of Visual Arts, and afterwards worked professionally as a textile designer. Everything changed, however, with the sudden death of a close friend, reconfirming the brevity and uncertainty of life. Changing her course, Cigolini moved to Paris to realize her dream of further study and painting.
In Paris, she studied at The Louvre and Paris American Academy, steeping herself in art history and architecture. Her painting teacher, Monsieur Arnaud D'Hauterives, recipient of the coveted Legion of Honour Award in 1977 and a student of Balthus, introduced her to several Salons. In less than a year she was invited to exhibit with the Salon de Comparison and the Salon Des Artistes Francais, winning an award at the Grand Palais in the Artistes Francais 1978 exhibition for her large canvas, 'Moving On.'
