
Raw Form
Celebrating local contemporary women artists.
Raw Form
March 22 - April 19, 2025
Atithi Studios
1020 N Canal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Raw Form is a captivating exhibition showcasing the dynamic works of two Pittsburgh contemporary women artists, Mary Mastren-Williams and Samantha Cortese. The exhibition offers art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to delve into the vibrant world of expressive painting through their artwork and artwork of other local women artists.
Meet the Artists
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Watercolorist
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This collection of watercolor paintings are a captivating exploration of form and fluidity.
I capture relaxed postures with a warm, impressionistic touch. The use of earthy tones works beautifully to convey a sense of natural warmth and tranquility, bringing an inviting and comforting atmosphere to the pieces. The colors enhance the sense of connection I am envisioning for the viewer, as the figure appears both approachable and introspective. This tone contributes to the overall mood of the work, enabling the viewer to ponder and reflect on the story behind these relaxed poses.
The abstract landscape pieces present a harmonious fusion of colors that create a soothing visual experience. Muted greens and blues with gentle yellows and earthy tones, allow the colors to bleed into one another seamlessly. This technique not only enhances the fluidity of the works but also evokes the essence of serene landscapes. Watercolor as a medium works beautifully here, as it captures the translucency and softness of natural forms, lending the collection an ethereal quality. The textures created through the blending of colors and piles of salt call to mind the gentle ebb and flow of water in a tranquil natural setting.
My loose and fluid painting style captures the essence of both human and Mother Nature’s graceful forms. Soft brushwork and shading allows the contours to flow seamlessly across the canvas. Employing an impressionistic approach adds a certain liveliness and spontaneity to the pieces, as if the subjects have been caught in a fleeting moment of peace. This I try to further the dynamism by the subtle variations in color and light, which breathe life into the compositions.
The tranquility of my collection is one of its greatest strengths. I carefully selected a muted color palette that enhances the sense of calm and peace, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the gentle beauty of the work. The organic forms that emerge from the compositions provide an intriguing layer of depth to explore the interplay between color and shape. This subtle complexity adds to the uniqueness of the artworks.
Overall, my watercolor pieces beautifully capture a moment of quiet reflection, grounded in the use of color, technique, and composition. The serene atmospheres convey my vision and skill. My art is a constantly evolving journey, and I feel the Raw Form Collection truly reflects my creative process and unique expressions.
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Mary holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts, Masters of Science in Art Curriculum K-12 from Edinboro University of PA and is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certified Art K-12 teacher. Mary’s 18+ years of experience includes showing her work in galleries and businesses in the area including:
Atithi Studios
Manos Gallery
Scotland Yards Greenhouse
Mel's Petit Cafe
Workshop Pittsburgh
Mercyhurst University
Panza Gallery
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Born and raised in Washington, PA, Mary’s passion for art began in high school when she filled her schedule with every art elective allowed. In college, Mary emersed herself in ceramics, drawing, art history, and printmaking. She found her passion for art thrive when she shared her talents and knowledge with others. She has been teaching and making art ever since. In addition to teaching, Mary spends her time in her own studio creating expressive landscape and floral watercolor paintings, coaching other creatives in therapeutic arts, showing her own work in galleries, and spending time with her children, family, and friends in Pittsburgh, PA.
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Abstract Expressionist
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Somewhere in the space between imagining and remembering is where I find my inspiration. My abstract paintings are expressions of what my mind sees when I close my eyes: a flurry of shapes and colors billowing up from the blackness. By painting, I bring those concepts to life. For me, creative expression is the balance of an inspired idea and intuition. So that inspiration is the spark but I must always let go and allow my intuition take over.
Everyday I'm scanning the world for inspiration and beauty in the world I encounter. I draw from those small daily moments as well as past travel memories to bring to life the emotion of those experiences. With each new piece I learn something new about art and myself. I hope that honesty and raw emotion of awe and wonder is what my audience connects with and can relate to. I paint from a place of joy and I want those positive feelings to bleed onto the canvas with each brushstroke.
I believe artistic growth comes from fearlessly experimenting with colors, techniques and by using any tools at my disposal. I typically paint on canvas with acrylics but I love to create on wood panels and utilize other mediums to create thick touchable texture or subtle collaged layers.
When I discovered my passion for painting, I also found my purpose. Despite being a creative, I never felt that I fit into the traditional artist's mold. Now I know that’s because I needed to find my own way; my own artistic process. It was only when I picked up a paintbrush in the long, lonely winter of 2020 that my creativity found its path. As an abstract expressionist I am discovering the beauty of now and sharing that joy in the homes of my collectors.
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Samantha Cortese is a contemporary expressionist in South Western, Pennsylvania. Focusing her attention on abstract expressions and abstract landscapes she uses paint to explore her intuitive art process.
Samantha graduated from University of Pittsburgh. As an emerging artist she entered into the Pittsburgh art scene in late 2020. In less than 18 months her artwork has been exhibited in local galleries and commissioned pieces can be found adorning the walls of Pittsburgh restaurants and homes. She loves to connect clients with pieces for their spaces that speak to their desired ambiance.
Samantha lives in Washington, Pennsylvania with her husband and two young children.
Opening Reception
March 22
6pm - 10pm
Artist Market
April 19
Atithi Studios
11am - 4pm
Artist Talk presented by Sherwin Williams
April 9
5pm
Join interior industry professionals for Sherwin-Williams Color Talk with Sarah Smicker and Artist Discussion with Samantha Cortese and Mary Mastren-Williams
March 22 - April 5
Artist Feature: Kelly Lane Simpson-Scupelli
April 6 - April 19
Artist Feature: Emily Taylor Rice
Closing Cocktail Reception
April 19
6pm - 10pm