CAROLYN PIERROTTI

This painting is the direct response to the greatest loss that I ever endured. The loss of a mother is traumatic, but during the last term of my pregnancy was almost unbearable. I don't remember most of my daughter's first days or months. I do know that it forced me to be stronger for myself and my baby than I ever could have imagined. I lost a part of myself and my life when she died. At the time I didn't realize that her death would be necessary for me to stand on my own, be a better parent. I understand now that while she may not have been there physically, all of the lessons taught to me, the memories of her mothering...would allow me to mother my daughter without depending on anyone. I carry that strength to this day. Mothering never ends, even in death...

Carolyn Pierotti's work is an exploration of self, women, and the cyclical process of motherhood. Through birth, and the death process Carolyn discovered the meaning of "mother". The Greatest Loss is not an image of joy, but one of terrible pain. The loss of her mother when she was nine months pregnant with her second child was a realization that while security was lost, a strength was gained. Through this traumatic event she found her place and it was a catalyst to become secure in the role as mother to her children.

Carolyn is the Owner/Director of Purple Room Fine Art where she is an advocate, speaker, teacher and cultural producer. As a practicing and exhibiting artist in the Pittsburgh area, she resides and has a studio space in Bellvue. A graduate of Carlow University, she received her BA with a specialization in painting - magna cum laude. Carolyn was the Director of Percolate Gallery in Wilkinsburg from 2017 - 2019. Carolyn was the former events coordinator/curator for Sweetwater Center for the Arts located in Sewickley. Carolyn was the former Exhibitions Chair/VP of the Pittsburgh Society of Artists. Coordinating several exhibitions in different galleries in, and around the Pittsburgh area include the Cultural Trust during the Three Rivers Arts Festival for the Pittsburgh Society of Artists exhibit "Intr(Au)spective" which took place at 937 Gallery. Other gallery spaces include Panza Gallery located in Millvale, Most Wanted Fine Art in Garfield, The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in Shadyside, 3rd Street Gallery in Carnegie, and Already Famous on Penn to name a few. Carolyn has also mentored at Carlow University working with students in the Art Department. Carolyn is also an exhibiting artist in the city of Pittsburgh. Her work has been shown at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Boxheart Gallery (Inter/National - Exhibition), Panza Gallery, Oglebay Institute, Thought Robbers Gallery, and MWFA Gallery. Her work can be found in various private collections.