About Marie Tosto

Bio

East Coast artist, Marie Tosto, has been formally honing her skills as an artist since 1986. She received her BFA in Textile Design from Moore College of Art & Design and graduated with her Post Baccalaureate and Master of Fine Arts from The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Her artwork is in private collections across the United States and in commercial residential spaces in Dubai.

Marie’s nonrepresentational imagery creates a narrative that is both recognizable and obscure. Dichotomy, tension, line work, color, humor … These are the components used to invite the viewer to interpret the narrative for themselves. The underlying theme is that mistakes are universal and essential for growth. When this becomes an expected part of the process, a safe place is provided for the inevitable and necessary missteps to occur. Which, in turn, allows the conversation to expand past simple academic formalities. These are the tools that Marie uses for her practice to evolve. Knowing how to listen to the work is an exercise that Marie continually employs and teaches. 

Marie resides in Philadelphia, PA with her daughter, Taylor, her grandpuppy, Ginger, and her two foster fail kitties, Alice and Myrtle. 

Artist Statement

I make two-dimensional works on canvas, paper, and panel using oils, nupastel, metallic pigment powder, graphite, and manufactured chance. The work is mostly nonrepresentational. The narrative is open for interpretation. When the occasional recognizable imagery emerges, it is welcome. The goal is to expand the conversation past simple academic applications and encourage the viewer to engage in an exchange beyond that of formal critique.

My vision for my art practice is for my reach to be broad and my circle small. Creating work is so often biographical. Mistakes are accepted and an expected part of the process. The paintings and drawings are elegant, sometimes aggressive, curious, and… occasionally funny. Outwardly, they can appear fairly transparent. Yet, there is the sense that there is more to the story than what is being told.