For Angela Addonizio, art has been a form of therapy and expression as she battles cancer. Now, her colorful mixed media works are being recognized at Lynnfield Arts during February and March.
Addonizio began her treatment in Hawaii before moving back to Massachusetts and continuing treatment; however, she began working with art much earlier in life.
Addonizio said she has always enjoyed art and has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. In school, she frequently participated in competitions and received recognition for her artwork.
Her work is a mixed media expression of bright, bold colors, and she tries to capture “movement in life… usually joy. Joy is what I try to go for,” she said.
Addonizio said a prior cancer diagnosis inspired her to return to painting regularly.
“It was so therapeutic and so healing. It got me out of my head. It got me away from all the pain, and I could just get lost in painting, and so that’s what’s keeping me going,” she said.
Addonizio said her pieces are currently on display across the globe in the homes of private collectors, friends, family, and others who have seen her work and enjoyed it.
“I love it when a piece speaks to somebody. I just want that piece to go home with them,” she said.
She added she signs all of her pieces “Tutu,” the word for “aunt” in Hawaii. With that, she often asks people who own her art to send her photos of her pieces in their homes. Addonizio often shares these photos, asking, “How do you Tutu?”
Addonizio’s business, Angela Designs, Art by Tutu, reflects her personal memories and artistic expression in merchandise that features her work. Her art can be viewed on the homepage of Lynnfield Art’s website and on her Instagram @artbyangela_aka_tutu.
