Magic In A Shadowbox
An Alternative to Traditional Art
monica@greatam.net
Monica A. Ostrow-
I backed into art when I was a sophmore at Wilkes
University. Then, teachers were required to take art classes. There were all types of exercises, drawings using only straight lines, using paper as a medium.
What surprised me about that experience is how I adapted each assignment using my own creativity.
It became clear to me how much I enjoyed making each project my own. When we were asked to make something from clay, other students did ash trays. I punched the clay together added a spine and a head and came up with a nude man. I surprised myself and that began my love affair with playing with mediums as a form of expression.
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I went on to form a marketing company with my
husband. Everytime we worked for a client I had to reinvent my art to suit their message..
I did logos, cartooning, copy, illustration, montage, collage, Then I studied at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, taking modern painting techniques and design.
My main influences are Joseph Cornell and Marcel Duchamp. Unlike Cornell I don't seek to just display items, I like to create a paper landscape that plays into my ideas Unlike Duchamp, I employ more craft materials, ribbons, beads, jewelry wire. But I'm not above using lug nuts, screws, wood and nails.
Since I had to come up with so many ideas to sell products, it was natural for me to extend that problem solving into the manipulation of materials to convey human feelings.
I have shown all over Orange County New York. West Point, The Karpeles museum. Hall of Fame of the Trotter. My work can be found in homes in Texas, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland., and California.
I'm still working out of my home in Upstate New York.. My contact information is at the bottom of this page. monica@greatam.net
Education
1962 - 1966
Wilkes University, Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania
1968 - 1970
Scranton University, Scranton Pennsylvania
1976 -1 979
School of Visual Arts, New York, NY
Awards
2019
BEST IN SHOW - INTO DARKNESS, Newburgh, New York
2005
BEST IN SHOW - HARD TIMES,
Lycian - Sugar Loaf, New York
Exhibitions
Solo
1998
Acrylics on Plexiglas, Pine Bush, New York
2019
Mandy Ross Gallery, Newburgh, New York
Group
2017
Newburgh Library Arts Show - 2nd place Mixed Media
2016
Orange County Arts Council Members Show
2009
Karpeles Museum - Smart Show with Kristine Jaroka
2008
Center for Peace and Reconciliation, Nyack, New York
2003
Artists" Alternative, Eisenhower Gallery, West Point, New York
Contact Me
1-845-386-9050