"Strenna" Painting

"Its all about the journey, the search for understanding and perspective". Benedetto's works are metaphors for emotions and experiences. "Images appear spontaneously in my works as I try to say whats on my mind. I find great joy in being able to project an emotion that another may understand through my art. For me, being able to express my feelings through art is a cathartic and peaceful experience."  Born in Chicago IL. in 1958 John Benedetto explored his artistic tendencies at an early age as he grew up painting and sculpting alongside his artist mother Ellyn. There was never a time that art was not a part of his life. Outside recognition of his artistic ability started at age 13 when he won several awards for his works including a scholarship to the art institute in Chicago IL. Benedetto is a self taught intuitive artist and has mastered and enjoys working in a variety of mediums including pencil, charcoal, pastels, oil and Cast Bronze. Benedetto has developed a unique style which draws upon introspection and emotions, parelleling the Expressionists, Neoexpressionists and the Fauvists. He considers himself a pure artist, as his works evolve as raw vision straight from palate to canvas. Benedetto's work has been shown since 1992. Today he shows in his private studio as well as in galleries. Presently Benedetto happily resides near Chicago with his wife and three children.  My work is driven viscerally by a need for catharsis.           I believe that both Artists and Collectors have a wish to be understood through art and there can become a precious link of understanding between them. I create with the hope that someone else will understand. To me, words are work, whereas to produce art is a relief.          The concepts that continually roll through my head are not things that most people like to talk about, or even think about too much. I have a terrible need for things to make sense and constantly look for truths and gravitate towards concepts of inventiveness and correctness. This can be painful in our world.         Through many years of attempting to understand our world by mentally trying on different belief systems and philosophies as well as attempting to view issues from as many different viewpoints or perspectives as possible, I have made peace with at least one thing.