Since childhood, artist Joseph Rossano ’81 has examined nature with a unique perspective. Barely five, Rossano began walking the forests of the Catskill Mountains with his father, an MD, bio-researcher, and pharmaceutical developer. “Reflecting on those walks now,” says Rossano, “it was not just my father with whom I was exploring nature, but a life scientist—a biologist, and it was his lens through which I began to observe and try to understand the world around me.”
Rossano’s inspiration to make art is linked to nature and how humanity interacts with it. His concern for the effect we have on the world motivates Rossano to expose environmental truths through his art. Combining cutting-edge technology and science with his art, Rossano aims to make his viewers feel something. “It is important that whatever I make, I bring viewers partway down my personal path,” explains Rossano.
In October, Rossano’s art exhibit Conservation From Here opened at Sagamore HiIl, Theodore Roosevelt’s historic estate in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Rossano’s artwork in this exhibit was inspired by Roosevelt and Rossano’s shared passion for nature and conservation. Trinity-Pawling art teacher Ned Reade attended the opening at Sagamore Hill with fellow art teacher Ramsay Antonio-Barnes and their art students.
Rossano believes Trinity-Pawling’s living and teaching environment had a major influence on him, and it continues to influence his daily life. “Friendships forged at Trinity-Pawling, notably with Tim Rollins ’81 and Tom Ashforth ’81, have had profound impacts on my career,” says Rossano. “Setting goals, prioritizing, designing critical paths, and persevering until those goals are realized are linked directly to an organizational strategy instilled in me at the School.” Rossano concludes, “In two words, T-P provided a “structure” for daily life offering “focus” to achieve one’s aspirations.”
Learn more about Rossano’s work at www.josephrossano.com.