Still Life with Haribo Painting

Jess Rizzuti discovered her interest in art at very young age. Her passion and innate talent as an artist led her to the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textiles. Rizzuti continued her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she honed her skills as a Handbag and Accessory Designer. Rizzuti’s creativity and artistic abilities have allowed her to work seamlessly in all the fine arts and to indulge in a variety of professional interests such as handbag design (her namesake collection was established in 2009), and floral design. With over 20 years of experience, Rizzuti has managed to add flowers to her artistic repertoire. Named Creative Director in 2017 at New York-based event and floral design house, Lewis Miller Design, Rizzuti was responsible for producing and creating large events and installations and played an integral role in the Flower Flash – a series of ‘banksy-esque’ public street art installations made with flowers. Executing over 60 Flower Flashes (some made in trash cans, around construction sites and on iconic statues like the Atlas in Rockefeller Center) Rizzuti has contributed to New York City’s public street art scene in a profound and meaningful way. Painting has remained a constant in Jess’ life, always at the forefront of her work as a floral designer. Quarantine provided a unique opportunity for Jess to explore her own work wholly and without distraction. Embracing light, pattern, shadow and all that Nature has to offer while leaning into the silence, and stillness that confinement brings, Jess focused on studying the figure and painting still-lives, relying on her hands to tell a new story.