Esther Maschio
Fine Art Printmaker, Coastal Printmaker
Art gives me the power to express myself visually, primarily in 2D art, and in writing. To share my knowledge through teaching and public speaking. To form lasting friendships, connect with the community, and know my rightful place in the world.
After seeing an exhibition on Rembrandt at the MFA, Boston, I found myself asking, “ What would I really like to do?” My answer was to travel to Italy and study etching. At that time an artist-friend handed me a magazine that listed an etching studio in Italy. I added it to my wish-list. Eleven years passed before my dream was realized due to family circumstances. Then possibilities became realities, and a friend gifted me air fare to Italy. I lived my dream over a 20 year period spending summer-fall residencies at an etching studio in the Tuscan hills. There, I learned about the true workings of my own creative process. This translated directly into my ongoing teaching and volunteer engagements, first established in 1993 at the South Shore Art Center. Art exhibitions followed. My writing in a forthcoming book, “A Ten Minute Walk,” is an immersive journey (and journaling) into the unfolding of the artistic process, as well as my own personal growth.
I make four-color etchings, monotypes, monoprints, artist-books, drawings, fabrics, and collages.
What’s the story behind your work?
I was born to see differently. When asked, “How long have you been an artist?” I answer, “All my life”, for does not every step of your history place you squarely in the present moment?
What do you hope people feel when they see it?
It is none of my business. I create. People feel.
How does your work connect or bring people together?
Through teaching and public speaking, exhibiting art.
Who helped you along the way?
Rembrandt, Antoni Tapies, Jeanette Eberhardy, full professor MCA, Kumkum Malik, psychologist, family, friends, students. My intuition. (Note Eberhardy and Malik, I will provide actual titles for them, also will check spelling of Tapies)
How do you give back / support others?
Teaching, volunteer facilitator of the 12-step book “The Artist’s Way”, and ongoing weekly memoir writing meetings.
