Nancy Azano Maker Mondays July 2023

Nancy Azano

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​Nancy has been exhibiting here since 2017, and her work has won numerous awards. Her involvement in the RISD Museum as a docent led to a teaching job in the galleries, and eventually to working with cancer patients at Hasbro Children's Hospital in their Museum on the Rounds program, which was inspired by the art and activities at the RISD Museum. She has also taught art to all grade levels in both public and private schools. Nancy has since retired and is now focused on her art, regularly taking commissions. You can view more of her art on her Instagram and Facebook.

Where are you from, and what do you make?

I was raised in the rural town of Gaithersburg, Maryland.  I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from the University of Dayton, Ohio in 1972. I moved to RI for a teaching position at East Providence Junior High School.  I went on to earn a Master’s degree in Art Education from Rhode School of Design.  
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I work primarily in cross-hatched pencil drawings and watercolor paintings and, not as often, I paint in acrylics.
People frequently speak of talent as the basis of good artwork.  I disagree with that statement. At RISD, I had two professors who taught me how to work hard and, more importantly, how to stop thinking and SEE. From these habits, my work has evolved to a place that I am gratified.

What inspires you to create?
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I am inspired by awareness of the world around me.  Not just visually, but what persons, places and things can mean.  Looking, I find many things “astounding”.  Annie Dillard said “the purpose of life is to give voice to our astonishments”.

​Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?
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Akira Arita, from my RISD program, was the artist who taught me how to see. how to translate my vision into contrasting lines and shapes.  He is the teacher who taught me to stop thinking and just SEE.  His work is a beautiful representation of what he strongly counseled, turning everyday objects into magical works of art.

​Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
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Pam Grumbach - Her watercolor paintings of tools have been very motivating to me.  Every color is in every color.  There is a freedom in her the watercolors, with precise brush work, controlled washes, and spattering.  Her work demonstrates the ordinary can be extraordinary.  

​As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?
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The South County Art Association has given me so many opportunities to exhibit and to enjoy the celebrations at the openings of the exhibits.  I love the themes that motivate each shows. The staff are all so encouraging and accommodating. 

Tell us a joke.

A little boy had his heart set on having a part in the school play.  HIs mother was very concerned that he was going to be so hurt and disappointed if he was not cast in a role.

When he got home, he joyously ran into his mother’s arms and said he got a part in the play!  “What is it?”  Asked his mother. “I get to clap and cheer!”
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No special skills needed to “give voice to your astonishments.”

 You can view more of her art on her Instagram and Facebook.