VIVIENNE
RIGGIO

Vivienne J Riggio’s artistic journey is a testament to a life steeped in observation and the transformation of the mundane into the extraordinary. Born in Murphysboro, Illinois, and now residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Riggio’s path to becoming an artist was as intuitive as it was inevitable. From her earliest memories, she was captivated by the world’s shapes, images, and designs, finding solace and expression in the arts from a tender age. Her childhood, characterized by a quiet introspection and a deep internalization of her surroundings, laid the foundation for her unique artistic language, which she began articulating through three-dimensional art as early as five years old.

Riggio’s creative process is a symphony of collaboration where the natural, textiles, usual and unusual findings, and second-hand oddities find new life in her art. She describes her style as democratic, allowing each material to have a voice and contribute to the artwork’s narrative. This approach is not just a method but a philosophy, treating each piece as a collective expression of disparate elements coming together. Her studio is a crucible where spontaneous and recurring images, tactile sensations, and the serendipitous discovery of objects converge, setting the stage for her creations.

The artist’s work is a dialogue with materials, a testament to her belief in the power of touch, and the potential of objects to communicate and inspire. Whether it’s the texture of fabric, the form of a leaf, or the history imbued in a found object, Riggio trusts in the organic development of her pieces, allowing her artistic vision to unfold with a combination of intention and serendipity. This process reflects her deep connection to her environment and her commitment to a practice that is both introspective and outward-looking, rooted in personal experience yet universally resonant.

My art is an extension of my being, an expression of my observations, interactions, and the deep-seated urge to translate the essence of what I perceive into tangible forms. I am driven by an innate curiosity about the world, a profound respect for the natural environment, and an unwavering commitment to exploring the nuances of materiality and form. My creations are not merely objects but are imbued with the stories, textures, and the very soul of the materials I engage with. They are dialogues with the past, present, and future, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and introspection.

The core of my artistic philosophy lies in the genuine, unfiltered interaction with the world around me. Whether I am enveloped by the tranquility of nature or immersed in the bustling energy of a city, every experience is a wellspring of inspiration. My art is a means of distilling these experiences, transforming them into a language of shapes, textures, and forms that resonate on a visceral level. This process is not just about creation but is a form of communication, a way of sharing my perspective and inviting others to see the world through a different lens.

What motivates me to create is the endless potential for transformation—an object, a piece of fabric, a fleeting image can become a conduit for profound expressions and conversations. My aim is to create art that not only captivates visually but also engages on an emotional and intellectual level, prompting reflection and eliciting a sense of wonder. Through my work, I strive to offer a moment of connection, an opportunity for viewers to engage with their surroundings and their inner selves in new and unexpected ways.

Education:

• Undergraduate Art Classes, CSUS Sacramento
• Fashion Design, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

Exhibitions:

• Various Exhibits in San Francisco Bay Area, Albuquerque, Abiquiu, and Santa Fe, New Mexico

Awards:

• Best in Show, Best in Class, Most Creative for “La Churitta”