Meet Marcella Colavecchio | Contemporary Figurative Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcella Colavecchio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcella, what do you want your legacy to be?
The notion of leaving a “legacy” behind is one of the biggest motivating factors in my life. A lot of people associate legacy with having children; I’ve always associated it with a mark that can I leave behind on the betterment of society through my artwork. I want people to remember me as someone who worked incredibly hard and wasn’t afraid to elevate marginalized voices in my artwork. I never shy away from shining a spotlight on the systems of oppression that provide the structure to our society.Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a figurative artist working out of Austin, TX. My paintings are a powerful exploration of the body and its representation, focusing on timely concepts of gender and identity. These figures represent my desire to tackle issues around the depiction of women in our society and popular culture. The female nude is traditionally painted under the male gaze. I appropriate techniques associated with male masters to show my own point of view as a woman. By painting myself in the nude, I challenge traditional dynamics by becoming both the artist and model, reclaiming power as the author and subject of my work. I’m proud of my work, because I can be completely open and vulnerable with my viewer. My road to where I am professionally wasn’t easy and it still isn’t. I grew up with a more oppressive environment when it came to women doing things that were out of the norm within their gender roles. Once I removed myself from that environment, I was able to reclaim my power, and learn what it really meant to chase my dreams. I still have so much to learn about the art world. The truth is that opportunities for women artists are still far behind those of their male counterparts. Although my paintings are silent, they still emanate voices that are loud enough to create a narrative of elevation and power. Power is a great tool – it can move people, challenge attitudes, and inspire action.Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would love to take my friends on a mural tour. Austin is an incredible place to see murals, and to explore the neighborhoods they’re embedded in. While I could put together a map with all of them, here are a few of my favorites: – Chris Smith’s mural at – 610 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78701 – A collaboration of muralists at Lustre Pearl East – also a wonderful restaurant. – The Yard on St Elmo – St Elmo is full of amazing breweries, distilleries and wineries like – The Austin Winery, The Still, and St. Elmo Brewing Company. – Greenbelt Botanicals Mural (Lamar Union Plaza) – Jay Rivera’s Kobe Mural – Behind Sushi Hi restaurant on Guadalupe (great place to great some good sushi). – If you’re in need of a workout after eating so many amazing tacos and BBQ, I recommend checking out Jay Rivera’s Murals at Lift ATX. You also can’t go wrong with a good dinner at Banger’s Austin. This is my all time favorite spot on the map!Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to start this list off by thanking my parents for being my pillars of support throughout my childhood. My father is an artist and musician, and always pushed me to be the very best at anything I put my mind too. I have a very strong work ethic instilled in me because of him. To be honest, I don’t know where I would be without my high school art teacher, Mr. Paul Cusano, who got me involved with figurative drawing programs at Lyme Academy of Fine Art – a prestigious art school in Connecticut. While I couldn’t afford to attend an undergraduate art program, Lyme shaped me into the artist I am today by giving me the foundation I needed to understand the representation of the human body in art. Paul, if you’re reading this, thank you for everything. Finally, I want to thank my partner, Daniel Adams, for not only believing in me, but for also being my business partner, brand manager, and my photographer. He wears every hat to make sure I’m successful as I can be with my business.

Website: https://marcellacolavecchio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcellaispainting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcellaispainting/

Image Credits
Black and white headshot – Gudde Co Photography Portfolio photos – Daniel Wood Adams Color Portraits – Brien F. Adams