Tell us about yourself and you work.
My name is Rosi Tonaco and I am a mixed media artist. I have always been a creative person, passionate about everything from art to pattern design and fashion. Art gives me a sense of freedom of expression. I try to express things that are personal to me and relatable to other people.
Five years ago I made the transition from a successful career in science to fully investing in my passion for the arts. I have always been fascinated by the power of colors, shapes and forms, and I have found that abstract art is the perfect way to express the complexity of the human experience.
My background in Artificial Intelligence (I hold both a Master degree and a PhD in that area) brings a unique perspective to my work, and I enjoy exploring the relationship between intellectual depth and artistic expression. I believe that art has the ability to transcend language, culture and time, and I strive to create pieces that evoke emotion, provoke thought and inspire connection.
My work has an experimental way and I’ve been exploring different styles and techniques. In my mixed media art, I use textures and colors to help express a mood or emotion. My creative process is purely organic, the work changes and grows gradually. Papers are adhered; paint is brushed or splashed; more paper is added; lines are drawn and so forth, until the image is satisfying to me.
Which papers did you test?
Stonehenge Aqua Black - CP 600gsm
Mirri Sparkle Silver 10pt
Mirri Sparkle Sunburst 16pt
Yupo Translucent
What was your process in testing these papers?
I used the Mirri paper to cut some tropical leaves and flowers, the Yupo Translucent I painted with link and then also cut some leaves and the Stonehenge was used as the surface to my collage, I love the texture and the feeling of this paper.
Which paper(s) worked well for your work? What did you like about these papers?
Yupo translucent and Stonehenge Aqua are the ones I use the most, Yupo works great to paint and cutting the transparency adds a nice touch to the artwork. And the Stonehenge is a perfect surface to my mixed media work because it is heavy, has a Beautiful texture and holds nicely any watercolor details I want to add.
What are important characteristics of a paper for your particular kind of work?
I don’t usually use only one kind of paper, I often use at least three, one that can hold well layers of paint, the other one needs to be cut nicely and one with a beautiful texture.