Life experiences, observations and memories have inspired works created by painter Joan DeRugeris and ceramic sculptor John DiCicco for their exhibit "Patterns" at the DeBlois Gallery, Newport. In her work, DeRugeris takes what she sees and then breaks down the elements into a pattern and design whole. At the same time, she is very aware of the manner in which patterns, forms, color and texture relate to one another. For this exhibit, her paintings of landscapes and seascapes range from the mythical to the abstract. Inspired by his travels, and in fact "driven" by his life experiences, DiCicco views his sculptural container forms as a "metaphor for how our minds hold our memories". He makes extensive use of the figure as part of the over-all pattern on the surface of his work as he relates the image placement to the chapters and cycles in life. He exhibited new work which includes both decorated stoneware containers and clay monoprints.

Seaside Shanties - DeRugeris

I believe that artists cannot exist without influences; it is however how they use them that separates one from the other. Many strive to paint what they see, their hand and eyes becoming a camera. I like to see how far I can go from what I see or recall and break down the elements into pattern and design whole still keeping the feel of what drew me to the subject to begin with. How pattern, forms, color and texture relate to one another has always fascinated me. As a story evolves on the canvas, there is a strong sense of drama and spirituality incorporated into the composition. Painting for me is like a dance, sometimes I lead, sometimes I follow. I would describe myself as an intuitive painter. My point of reference is my inner soul.

In this exhibition, Ms. DeRugeris puts a twist on reality with an array of oils, acrylics and pastels created in the Impressionist style. Landscapes and sea scapes range from mythical to abstract. Buildings draw viewers into an imaginary life and objects not depicted in the natural world form contemporary, abstract compositions.

Bridge to Utopia - DeRugeris

House of Sand - DeRugeris

Inspired by his travels, and in fact "driven" by his life experiences, DiCicco views his sculptural container forms as a "metaphor for how our minds hold our memories". He makes extensive use of the figure as part of the over-all pattern on the surface of his work as he relates the image placement to the chapters and cycles in life. He will exhibit new work which includes both decorated stoneware containers and clay monoprints.

Deeper Garden - DiCicco

Find Your Way - DiCicco