We recently had the chance to connect with Constance Pappalardo and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Constance, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of art there is no sweeter joy than watching dogs in my home. They are so much fun to have around the studio.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I knew I wanted to be an artist from an early age. My mother was always taking my brother and I to museums and galleries.
I was born in Lima, Peru to an American father and Peruvian mother. After my dad’s untimely death, we moved to New York City. I grew up surrounded by the masters! I painted through my teen years and eventually studied painting at The Art Students League and later at The School for Visual Arts ( SVA ).
Life took me down a labyrinth and painting was put to one side. I married and had a family where we settled in Cary, NC. I always knew I would pick up my paint brushes again. That was a promise.
In 2003 our oldest son took his life. It was a dark and devastating time for all of us. Within 6 months, I felt the call, I knew it was time to paint again.
I did not know what or how it would come out. One would expect dark and melancholy work but what appeared on the canvas was the opposite. Lush and calming hues poured out and there was no doubt in my mind that the art, the work was expressing a promise of healing and joy.
I have been painting and exhibiting ever since.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Trust is the key to all relationships. But it takes time to build trust. So you have to decide, philosophically that most people want the same thing. We want to be free, we want to be happy and we want to be safe. We must expect the best from our fellow humans. Then, time ( we hope) will prove us right and we can build trust.
When trust is broken ( because we are imperfect creatures) the relationship falters. It’s not irreparable but healing has to start and trust re established.
This is true in our relationship with others, with animals, with countries.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
My father was killed suddenly in a car crash when I was 7 years old. Within a year, my mother had moved us away from the comfort of a large Peruvian family in Lima to no family at all in New York City.. My coping mechanism was my imagination. I had many imaginary friends in my plush animals. I was fortunate that my mother never discouraged this .
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
My faith and intimate relationship with God is fundamental and my scaffold. Because Religion has ruined the popular perception of faith and God, I downplay this in public. This is sad but I don’t mind since I am a very private person. I have no desire to evangelize and I love and respect all faiths.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
Art is my meditation. Alone, in the studio, with my music playing ….
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pappalardoart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constancepappalardoart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constance-pappalardo-4290161/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pappalardoart
