. Graphic Clay Process: Advanced printmaking. . Collaboration with @kbrpottery . . . Visual art for me is about having a voice. . I use it as a platform to address real life concerns, and experiences. To shed light on addiction, on sleep, to commemorate a friend’s life and passing. It manifests in ceramics and printmaking , but the documentation of the work will reach more people than the vessels I make ever would. . The picture or video of the piece or process is valued more today than the art I create, or techniques employed. I have fought against this by fostering community through ceramics and local engagement. . Ultimately, ceramics should be experienced, touched , Visceral, and felt. They are so much more than a picture on a computer screen. . Art has the power to create conversation, provoke emotional responses, and bringing people together. . By challenging social stigmas and expectations I aim to create works that empower expressions of truth. Art helps me to find meaning in the obstacles I face. . It takes courage to walk towards an uncertain future, but for me that feels like freedom. . Tags/ #ceramics #GraphicClay #Screenprint #Underglaze #NewsprintTransfer #HowItsDone #WIP #Printmaking #potteryispolitical #potsarepolitical #ViuCeramics #ViuVisualArts #iLearnHere #canadianceramics #M370 #plainsmanclay #vipotterysupply #stoneware #Pottery #viuniversity #Overdose #Activism #ChaseTheDragon #theytalkwedie #opioidepidemic #Nanaimo #BC #Canada #OpiumWars … Currently on display @theviewgallery

A post shared by Ciro Di Ruocco (@cirocapri84) on Apr 25, 2018 at 2:12am PDT

April 9th, 2018

[Interlude]

Let’s go back to the beginning…

I came to Vancouver Island to change my life.. After many years of trying to pull myself together, my family intervened and persuaded me to get help. On the day of my intervention, I remember tuning out my family’s letters to me. What I did hear that day was the voice of my best friend. He died in my arms from an overdose and his mom was at my intervention. She spoke as if she was him and I listened. That was April 8th, 2011.

I was in treatment for 9 months that year. I completed treatment and took the suggestion of staying on Vancouver Island. My mom said I had two choices move back home  to Vermont and die or stay on the Island and make it work. I slowly started to rediscover a healthy sense of self. I loved playing soccer with my new friends and loved the excitement of scoring goals. I started to attend the pottery drop-in at the city’s Bowen recreational facility. I loved being present with the clay. It was always something I loved and wished I could be better at. I was drawn to the messiness and to the mindfulness it took to make something.

One of my first pots

April 9th, 2012.
At 12 months clean/sober its a tradition to tell your story. To carry a message of hope and allow others to hear what it was like for you. I remember being incredibly anxious and then an unnerving sense of calmness. I told my story. Afterwards, Kendall came up to me and thanked me for sharing. She related to my story as it was similar to her brother’s story. I remember feeling flattered and shy.
I thanked her for sharing with me how it impacted her.

A few days later Kendall posted this song on YouTube and she dedicated it to me!

“Make it stop” by Kendall Patrick

An Introduction to Design/Activism:

Adam DelMarcelle –

“Adam DelMarcelle is an MFA candidate at VCFA. Adam serves as an adjunct professor at York College of Pennsylvania and Lebanon Valley College, teaching courses in graphic design and printmaking. His current work focuses on design activism and the role design thinking plays in solving larger societal issues. The work created for the “What Heroin Sounds Like” campaign has garnered national attention, allowing Adam to travel widely spreading awareness of the heroin and opioid crisis ravaging our communities. He lives in Lebanon PA with his wife, Missy, his son, Joe, and two basset hounds.” – Graphic Design USA

 

And then..

Printmaking meets Street Art? SOOOO COOOL

WHAT HEROIN SOUNDS LIKE!

http://perpetualbeta.vcfa.edu/2017/08/30/what-heroin-sounds-like/

January 25, 2018 – Adam’s Work Acquired by Yale

http://perpetualbeta.vcfa.edu/2018/01/25/adam-delmarcelles-work-acquired-by-yale/

But First…

How Ciro met Adam:

http://www.mynbc5.com/article/opioid-info-meting-also-call-for-art-against-addiction-epidemic-tcyq4f3g/9115883

OUR Town Installation Video:

Works Cited:

Adam DelMarcelle

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/katherine-fritz/pennsylvania-artist-tackl_b_12177498.html