Narelle Sissons
Artist
New York,NY
Summary
The artwork is informed by a background in theater design, a love for color and improvisation. Abstract figurative paintings unite the familiar with the imagined, depicting characters from Greek mythology. The mood and ambiance is discovered through a series of drawings and ink studies, in the process of negotiating matters of composition and surface. Light and movement are captured by variations in color and opacity.
Painting holds a blend of mystery and fascination for me. I imagine ordinary people encountering imaginary characters, becoming intertwined to create drama. The artwork is like a scripted play and is open to interpretation. The works offer visual ambiguity and multiple meanings inviting the viewer in.
Previously, award winning theatre designer with 30 years of experience working internationally, on and off-Broadway, New York City.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Freelance Scenic Designer
Self Employed
01.1991 - 09.2022
- Collaborated with well-known theatre and opera directors to create cohesive visual concepts, resulting in successful stage design.
- Maintained open communication with production staff during build processes for efficient problem-solving and adjustments when necessary.
- Enhanced audience experience by designing visually appealing and immersive sets for various productions.
- Coordinated with lighting and costume designers to establish a unified aesthetic vision across all aspects of production design.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
Professor of Design and Head of Design
Carnegie Mellon University
08.2007 - 05.2022
- Facilitated cross-disciplinary learning opportunities for students by collaborating with colleagues from other departments.
- Mentored and supervised graduate students, providing valuable guidance for thesis work, research projects, and professional development. Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
- Championed diversity within the department through recruitment efforts, inclusive curriculum design, and community outreach events.
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
Education
Master of Arts - Painting
New York Studio School
New York, NY 09.2022 - Current
Master of Arts - Design For Film
Royal College of Art
London, United Kingdom 08.1989 - 05.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Design
Central St Martins
London, United Kingdom 09.1986 - 05.1991
Skills
Painting and Sculpture
Accomplishments
2024 68 Jay Street Gallery Dumbo, Crest Collective show " Peripheral Vision"
2024 Silvermine Galleries group show, CT "Every Picture Tells a Story"
2024 NYSS Student Gallery, juried show, " I Saw You Looking"
2023 NYSS Student Gallery group show, "Arranged New Worlds"
2023 NYSS Student Gallery group show, "Bike, Flow, Connect"
2022 Silvermine Galleries, CT. New Member Exhibit
2022 Silvermine Galleries, CT. "73 A-One Exhibit"
2021 Gallery 114, "These Truths"
2020 O'Hanlon Center For The Arts, group show "PANIC".
2020 DAB Art Gallery, "Art in The Time of Corona".
2019 The Royal College of Art Summer Group Show, Dyson Gallery.
Affiliations
Guild Member, Silvermine Galleries, CT
United Scenic Artists, local 829 Eastern Region
Timeline
Master of Arts - Painting
New York Studio School
09.2022 - Current
Professor of Design and Head of Design
Carnegie Mellon University
08.2007 - 05.2022
Freelance Scenic Designer
Self Employed
01.1991 - 09.2022
Master of Arts - Design For Film
Royal College of Art
08.1989 - 05.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Design
Central St Martins
09.1986 - 05.1991
Similar Profiles
DONNA MITCHELLDONNA MITCHELL
Support Worker at Self EmployedSupport Worker at Self Employed
Dale McBrideDale McBride
Vintage Reseller at Self EmployedVintage Reseller at Self Employed
Mounaguru VisuvalingamMounaguru Visuvalingam
Technician at self employedTechnician at self employed
Brayan Ruiz BarrazaBrayan Ruiz Barraza
Machine Operator/General Laborer at Self EmployedMachine Operator/General Laborer at Self Employed
Norman Trotter IVNorman Trotter IV
Administrator, Participations and Special Projects at Warner Bros. Discovery: Finance, Contract, Reporting & Administration (FCRA)Administrator, Participations and Special Projects at Warner Bros. Discovery: Finance, Contract, Reporting & Administration (FCRA)