About

At SAIC, I had the privilege of studying with inspiring teachers like Don Baum, Ray Yoshida, and Barbara Rossi, who introduced me to*The Art of the Mentally Ill by Hans Prinzhorn. Prinzhorn’s collection opened my eyes to the intricate and elaborate work of self-taught creators working outside traditional norms, sparking my own ideas. Don Baum, in particular, was an enthusiastic supporter of the Chicago Imagists—Roger Brown, Ed Paschke, Gladys Nilsson, Jim Nutt, and Christina Ramberg—whose boundary-pushing work resonated deeply with me. I even took an art history course solely devoted to the Imagists, immersing myself in their exploration of unconventional perspectives.

During this period, another formative influence emerged: Aboriginal art. An exhibit at the Smart Gallery in Hyde Park showcased the powerful visual language Aboriginal artists used to document the spiritual landscapes of Australia. I was captivated by their use of dots, which carried deep symbolism and added a sense of sacredness to their work. This technique of dotting gave my paintings an ethereal quality, creating a subtle energy that made each piece seem to hum. I began to weave this approach into my own work, blending it with the dynamic energy of the Chicago Imagists and my appreciation of French Impressionism’s visual shorthand.

My artistic journey has been further enriched by the chance to showcase my work in various esteemed exhibitions, where I’ve continued to refine my distinct visual language. Inspired by artists like Paul Gauguin and the Nabi movement’s focus on personal mythologies and emotional depth, my work reflects a fusion of the Chicago Imagists’ bold perspectives, the symbolic potency of Aboriginal dot painting, and the layered brushwork reminiscent of Impressionism.

Each piece I create is a synthesis of these influences, yet uniquely mine. Through this exploration, I seek to create a visual dialogue that transcends time and place, inviting viewers into a space that feels both familiar and otherworldly. Ultimately, my art is a testament to the creative force that resides beyond convention—a celebration of the blend between the seen and the unseen, tradition, and individuality.
Peter LoCascio
Painter
St. Charles, Illinois
November 2024