Artist biography

Things I consider beautiful, nourish my soul.

My work began many years ago, having been born to artistic parents, Bruce and Naomi, who exposed my five siblings and me to nature and art.

Forever interested in anything French, I became an au pair to a French family, allowing me to absorb all the beauty, art and architecture of Nantes, France and later, Paris.

After losing both my parents to cancer, I was left with an inheritance allowing me to open the home furnishings boutique I had always dreamed of in Hoboken, NJ. My assistant and I would spend countless hours creating stunning vignettes with the beautiful merchandise we had scouted. I was met with success and many happy customers.

The birth of my two boys took precedence over my delight in being surrounded by the joy of my store. Changing my course, I became a full-time mother, leaving my store behind.

The children became school age and I became an ardent woman with a need to once again create beauty. With the help of my technologically talented husband and my own aesthetic, I envisioned pieces of vignettes past and moments in nature, on canvas as digital paintings. Hence, my third child (figuratively speaking), Studio Colette, was born.

I sometimes set up my vignettes and photograph, or I become inspired during a walk outside with my camera in tow and often, my children. While my work begins with an inspired photograph, I consider myself an artist more than a photographer, as the photograph is my artistic vision to which I adorn my artistic aesthetic.

I'm about to embark on my third year of exhibiting in art shows, looking forward to revisits with venues past and adventures with new endeavors. I am absolutely pleased with the responses I’ve had to my work this past year. Of the many shows in which I exhibited, I won three ribbons, two of which were in New York City.

When viewers of my work yield a breath of delight, a gasp of excitement or an expression of happiness... I know I've touched their soul and for that and often a sale... I am considerably grateful!

Mary Campagna

2010