Robert blogs on art, creativity, politics, CSA, religion and culture. Many overlap into multiple categories, like motivational or random favorites. Robert is a life-long artist, writer, musician & actor, a professional creative his entire adult life. Born in 1959 in Detroit, he has lived in New York, New Orleans and currently in Charleston. His commission portraits and fine art are part of over a thousand collections throughout North America. Read his bio.
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The Advent of Creativity
The Advent of Creativity I wanted to pass on the Christmas wish I recently shared with one of my coaching clients: In our last conversation, we dug pretty hard into the many ego-infused reasons why we do what we do. My ulterior motive being, if we hold a...
Transformations
One of my students just shared this with me, which left me feeling deeply grateful and humble. It also got me thinking: "I haven't told you, but you are such a good art teacher. I have improved so much with your help, and feel like the sky is the limit....
The Case for Painting Sober
Have you noticed the rise of all the Bottles and Brush type businesses, offering a fun, easy painting experience over a glass or two or three of wine? These places are literally overflowing with drunken, brush wielding Van Gogh wannabees having great fun. What once...
Trenton Michigan Talk from 4/26/01
Honored guests, Over the years, I have been widely praised, while at times villainized as a vigorous advocate and promoter for the arts. I stand accused of being a flagrant self promoter. It’s true, I speak boldly about the exhibits at my gallery which feature local...
Detroit and The Carburetor Mentality
Detroit is at a cross roads with a burgeoning cultural revolution at odds with the powers of convention and mendacity, the results of which are best represented by slick new ball stadiums, casinos and glossy redevelopment. Detroit’s unique automobile culture is what...
Calling All Art Spirits
Article written by Robert Maniscalco and reprinted in Pointer News around 1998 Detroit, MI, — Many people have said to me over the years, “I envy you. I can’t even draw a straight line.” It breaks my heart to hear that many people have grown into adulthood convinced...
Portrait of an artist
Portrait exhibit shows work by former eastsider Robert Maniscalco It could be said that artist Robert Maniscalco works in the family business. Like his father — renowned portrait painter Joseph Maniscalco — he’s a portrait painter. And following in his father’s...
Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
"Tempus Fugit" captures the instant fire and ice meet, when strange entities are released into the human psyche. Another collaboration between myself and artist Nick C. Cerrato. ...
"Light" captures the moment of decision. To enlighten or to inflame? ...
"Darkness and Light" is my latest collaboration with Nick C. Cerrato. It can be appreciated simply as an #abstract expressionist #painting and closer up as a deep narrative meditation on darkness and #light. ...
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The grand arbiter of taste, who definitely would not recognize a Van Gogh if it hit them in the face. With apologies, of course, to all those who've awarded me over the years, and to those who haven't. This is one more reason I detest authority. When I've played the role of juror, I always feel it necessary to write about each of the works, something kind and something to work on. I see the role of juror is not to judge, but uplift and encourage people who've put their heart and soul on the line. I usually pick the piece most reasonable people would agree was award worthy. And I can tell you why. I think contests should exist to support deep study and commitment to the purpose of art, which is to open our eyes to something heretofore unseen. It is the juror's job to really see the artists' work, in such a way that each artist will know they have been seen. ...
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Evil's Place, another collaboration with Nick Cerrato. I know you can't zoom in on insta so I will tell you God is pressing the devil into his place, while multiple figures reacts to the battle of good vs evil. NFS ...