Art & Life with Judy Riola

Today we’d like to introduce you to Judy Riola.

Judy, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Unlike most artists, I didn’t grow up knowing that I’d be an artist. I come from a tiny town in upstate New York, and our K-12 school didn’t offer art classes past the third grade. I had a career as a television and video producer, and when I decided the art directors were having more fun, I started taking night courses in design. Once I was in the art school environment it became clear to me that what I really wanted to do was paint. It was humbling and exhilarating to go from being confident in the corporate world to being a complete novice in a room filled with high school art stars.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My newest body of work attempts to answer a question I’ve been asking myself for a long time: how specific a story do I want to tell? In my earlier oil paintings, forms had always hovered on the edge of recognizability. Often the narrative was visible only to me. But lately I’ve begun to feel an impulse toward story-telling. By using pieces of cut paper, either print-outs of earlier paintings or textiles, I can introduce an unexpected element to the painting. This forces me to take a direction I wouldn’t have taken, to respond to that often jarring presence. I build layers by alternating paper, gouache, and pencil, over and over, until a clearer narrative emerges. Ambiguity remains important to me. I want to suggest a story, but I also insist the viewer be invited to provide their own. Titles like “Rescue Effort,” “Seaworthy Landlubber,” and “Hammerhead” reflect my concern with environmental threats, particularly to the oceans. Often my imagery conjures imaginary escape routes or solutions born of desperation. The cartoonish shapes and bright colors are a form of whistling in the dark, a way of warding off a deep pessimism about our earth’s fate.

In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
Without a doubt, a place to make work. I’ve been in the South End for a long time, and it saddens me to see studio space disappearing to make room for luxury condos.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m excited to be in a four-person show at room83spring (room83spring.com) in late November/December. I love the other artists and I can’t wait to see us all together.

I participate in South End Open Studios every year. This year it will be September 15 and 16. I welcome studio visits – just get in touch.

And follow me on Instagram – @judyriola. I’m a big Instagram fan. I find it really helps build a supportive worldwide community

Contact Info:

• Address: 46 Waltham St.
  Studio 204
  Boston MA 02118
• Website: www.judyriola.com
• Phone: 617-905-5839
• Email: jriola@icloud.com
• Instagram: @judyriola

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