Lupus Avis

This interview first appeared in Issue #42 of the Clan Thompson Celiac Newsletter, dated February 21, 2003.

(Editor's Note: Celiac artist, Maria Lupo, has two exhibitions this year. "Life Forces: Contemporary Fiber" can be seen at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, Wyoming. "15 Years: Rutgers Center for Innovative Print and Paper" can be viewed at Morris Museum, Morristown, NJ; Noyes Museum of Art, Oceanville, NJ; and NJ State Museum, Trenton, NJ. To view her work online visit www.Lupoart.com.

CLAN THOMPSON: How has celiac disease influenced you art?

MARIA: Before discovering the disease I began to make autobiographical pieces about self-healing---in fact, I dedicated my work to the message healing ourselves/healing our planet=---I began to use acupuncture needles directly in my sculpture. They were essential in my recovery from a ruptured appendix. As for my work I made a career decision to acquire a second master degree in art therapy to extend the healing process thru art to others. Directly, the disease influenced the way I value my own work and the healing gift it can be to others. I also never take for granted a healthy day in the studio.

CLAN THOMPSON: What do you hope to accomplish as an artist?

MARIA: I hope to bring the message of healing and hope and as art therapist in training to others. I understand the healing properties of the field and I encourage others to find and use the creative resources that exist within us all. And of course, to continue my own work and share it with others.

CLAN THOMPSON: What is your background as an artist?

MARIA: I have been a creative individual all my life. My formal education: BFA – Rutgers University, NJ (painting/photography), Masters degree _ MFA Hunter College – City University (Sculpture/Photography) with a year of study in Tuscany Italy (sculpture/art history) and currently, I’m working on a second masters degree in art therapy/counseling psychology.

CLAN THOMPSON: What artist has inspired your work?

MARIA: Many in the fine arts world such as Eva Hesse, especially Louise Bourgeois – a sculptor who is into late 80’s –the early women artists are a great inspiration –and of course Georgia O’Keefe. In the art therapy world, Edith Kramer, her belief that the process of making art heals and I like that, since it extends this healing possibility to everyone.

CLAN THOMPSON: What mediums do you work in?

MARIA: All different ones, feathers, earth, sequins, beads, buttons, children’s toys, straw many natural materials and of course the more traditional ones—anything to support the theme or message of the piece.

CLAN THOMPSON: What do you find particularly exciting about your work?

MARIA: I constantly am working on new images and totally engaged in the process. It is a journey for myself as well as the viewer.

CLAN THOMPSON: What are you future plans?

MARIA: Well, I’m on my second national tour and the work has gained a wider audience --which I never imagined ---but I’m moving into the world of public sculpture -- extending the message of the work to people who would not ordinarily see art. Really to give my audience the sense that art and the creative process is available to them and to find the creative outlets in their own lives. It maybe in cooking, sewing, furnishing a home, but it there and ready to help them connect to their own lives in meaningful way.

Finally, I would like to say that since I have changed the direction of my art to primarily be the message of Healing (ourselves /our planet) it has become a true sense of joy for me and I value the time have in the studio more than I ever have before and my sharing it with others.