PISCITANI
About Michelle Piscitani
It’s a Creative Life
A graduate of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in Advertising, Michelle Piscitani has been an industry creative for over a decade. She is known for her vibrantly abstract expressionist, light-reflecting paintings, commission work, and commercial art. Her work has been in showcases across Pittsburgh, PA, including, RAW Artists showcase, Stage AE, Women Who Rock, and Magee Women’s Hospital collaborations as an ambassador for Women’s Health.
It’s all in the name
The last name, Piscitani, is Michelle’s maiden. Being a first-generation, Italian-American, and second-generation Hungarian-American, Michelle decided to keep her family name and honor it through her life’s work. It stands for the appreciation and gratitude towards her father, who immigrated to the U.S. at age 14, and her grandfather, who immigrated from Hungary. “The American Dream” is only in reach for Michelle through generations of adversity, struggle, and sacrifice that she will forever be grateful for.
A few childhood influences
A few childhood influences sparked her curiosity about the arts. Michelle’s father, an electrical engineer born in San Pietro Avellana, Italy, would tell her the story of an Italian painter drawing a perfect circle – “Giotto’s O” which was confusing at the time but later taught her about the proof of craftsmanship. Her piano teacher asked her to “look at the moon and draw what she saw” – a little over her head at ten years old but thankfully, she grew up gazing at the moon. Her mother, once a teacher, always nurtured her creative growth with unconditional love and support.
Today
Quantum entanglement, geology, and time are her inspirations. Michelle is intrigued by how water flows like the universe swirls, how surfaces on stones look like craters on the moon, and how we are all interconnected.
Michelle has been enjoying designing “Wearable Art” creating statement pieces for events, weddings, or everyday life. She enjoys helping her clients stand out in the crowd and express themselves with custom pieces.