“The Healer” – A Paper Painting by Allison Massari – © 2008 Allison Massari
Artist statement
I always start with the eyes. I look into the mirror and paint my eyes. The point is to anchor the artwork in something that is true – something that is deep, and human, and real, so that the rest of the work can unfold from this unguarded moment. My intent is not necessarily to create a likeness – the figure that emerges here is a different person. The eyes are a doorway. As I made “The Healer,” I could feel the figure emerge from the environment and simultaneously melt back into it. She could not exist without the world around her, and the world would not be the same without her presence. Her totality, her readiness to give, envelops us and awakens us to something deep within.
– Allison Massari
““Allison Massari’s ‘The Healer’ is powerful. It conveys a sense of deep humanity and spirituality. It is very much loved by our public and it speaks deeply. Allison’s skills and quality as an artist are exceptional and her story is amazing.””
Massari's Sculpture Series: A female torso with hot rod flames
“Transformed” Series #1 - Sculpture 2010 - Fiberglass & Autobody Paint
“If this was the last work of art I could ever create I would be satisfied. This series represents the ultimate symbol for what is possible for each of us in life; that we can take something tragic and turn it into something elegant, empowering, beautiful.”
“Massari is an immensely talented artist…I’m a longtime admirer of her prodigious gifts.”
“Nice Leg”
Text sculpture covered in compliments
By Allison Massari
Purchasing Art
If you would like to purchase Allison Massari’s original artwork we would be delighted! Please contact our Client Services Team: CS@AllisonMassari.com
“The Place Where Tears Don’t Fall” – Acrylic on Paper, © Allison Massari
Artist Biography
Allison Massari’s powerful, intimate, and boldly imagined artwork beckons the viewer—sometimes playfully, sometimes intensely—always with a poignancy that deeply touches the heart. The vulnerability and honesty expressed in her self portraits, the energy and life that flow through her collages, and the unflinching strength and intelligence that can be found in all of her work show Massari’s commitment to exposing herself in order to find the common thread that connects us as humans.
Primarily a painter, Massari uses “whatever is necessary” to bring her work to life—an interdisciplinary mixture of painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography and collage. Largely known for her self-portraits and her portrayal of the female figure, Massari states, “I’ve always been deeply interested in understanding people—and I’m fascinated with the human experience. The self-portrait is the most meaningful and poignant pathway for me to reach a vulnerability and an honesty to express myself and to connect to universal emotions of the human condition.”
After receiving her BFA from Rhode Island School of Design, Massari went on to receive an integrated masters degree by combining MFA programs from Parsons School of Design in painting, and the School of Visual Arts in illustration in New York City. Throughout the country, museum exhibitions and private art collectors have embraced Massari’s work. Her collage work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, FL. Her art has earned prestigious honors including awards and exhibits in the Tampa Museum of Art, St. Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Arts Club Gallery of New York City. She has received two Artist-in-Residence Awards from Anderson Ranch Art Center, and was also named Helena Rubenstein Scholar. Commissioned paintings from numerous corporations include Lockheed Martin, US Airways, AAA Motor Club & General Mills.
In 1998, Massari nearly lost her life in a fiery car accident, which has greatly influenced her life and her work. Defiantly, Allison embraced her challenges, using tenacity, creativity and compassion to forge a life of joy and pinnacle achievements. She arose from the experience – literally a phoenix from the flames. Today, she travels the world speaking and sharing her message.
The same year of her accident, Massari founded a camp for young teen burn survivors, The Roger Pepper Adventure Camps in Crested Butte, CO. Roger Pepper was the brave man who pulled Massari from her car, saving her life and risking his own.
Currently, Massari lives in California where she is consistently creating artwork and living life with excitement, passion, and vigor. Her artwork, her work as a keynote speaker, and her life, are a testimony to the opportunities that life gives us, if we are open to receive its gifts.
““…We are in the presence of an accomplished, self-confident and well-defined artist.””
