John Piccoli

I was born and raised in Newark N.J. and started out like many others in the city. I lived in a housing project, came from a large family, (one of six) and from a fatherless home. I remember struggling by the challenges of my surroundings and coming home to my project building each day and night. Arriving there I would first, from the courtyard below, look up to my eighth floor apartment to see if there were any lights on from one of the windows. A light would mean that mom was home and I could get in. I had no key. Seeing that building each day and night with a different back drop of light and ambiance helped shape me into the artist that I am today. Seen in many of my cityscapes are those early impressions.

 

Now, after teaching art in Newark Public Schools, achieving a Masters in Art from MSU, I look back and know that art was the vehicle for my success. Art saved me.