The U Creates continues a series focused on highlighting members of the University of Miami’s creative community.
In this Spotlight feature, meet Talia Ceravolo, a Master of Fine Arts student who is showcasing her exhibit, “Bright Embers” at the University of Miami Wynwood Gallery. It will be on view until March 14, 2022.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The gallery is in the Wynwood Building, 2750 NW Third Ave., Miami, FL, 33127.
The Wynwood Gallery hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. Hours may be subject to change. Call 305-284-3161 to confirm times.
Visit http://www.as.miami.edu/art or contact Milly Cardoso, gallery director, at m.cardoso1@miami.edu for more information.
Tell us about yourself as an artist.
I am in my third and final year as a painting major in my graduate program, and I am a Miami-based contemporary portrait painter working primarily in the medium of oil on canvas. Originally from San Diego, California, I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in studio arts with an emphasis in oil painting at San Diego State University in 2013. I later furthered my education with an independent study of classical master techniques at the Atelier San Juan in Puerto Rico.
In 2019, I was accepted to the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Miami and was awarded a graduate fellowship. As an artist, I am fueled by the inspiration of the natural world and experiment with moving beyond traditional canvases, developing methods for building organically shaped and stretched supports.
What sparks your creativity?
I am inspired by the individuals around me—my friends, family, and fellow artists. It's the uniqueness of their personalities and their vivid spark that inspire me to paint them. I am also greatly inspired by nature; I make sure to give myself time in nature as often as I can.
Tell us about the works on view at the Wynwood Gallery. What is the story behind them?
The show features a series of vibrantly colored portraits painted on a selection of square and hand-built, organically shaped canvases. The paintings in the exhibit are a series of portraits of local artists and friends in my community. As a portrait painter, I am inspired by the individuals in my life and the paintings in the show reflect this, depicting many of my friends in the graduate program. The direct gaze of my subjects in combination with the richness of my color palette evokes intimacy and warmth between subject and viewer. These paintings reflect my fascination with individuality and my desire to capture the spirit of each personality—the "bright ember" within all of us.
How does it feel to be featured in a solo exhibit?
I am so excited to be having my first solo exhibition in Miami. I have been living in Miami for the past three years, going to art events and exhibits every week. So, I am thrilled to be emerging into the art scene.
What has your experience been like at the University?
Attending UM as a graduate student has been a wonderful experience. The professors have been so supportive and informative while pushing me to reach my goals. The graduate program has given me the time and space to grow as an artist along with the proper amenities and an array of art classes.
What are your future goals and how do you think UM is going to help you achieve them?
I am currently applying for teaching jobs to work as an art professor. The graduate program at UM has prepared me for this by giving me the opportunity to teach Drawing 101 here as a Teacher of Record. This has been an invaluable experience, and I am so grateful for this.
