Alissa Morabito grew up surrounded by the coastal landscape of Southern California before moving to the small New England town of Washington Depot, Conn. Her early years by the beach deeply influenced Morabito’s artistic style, lending itself to a laid back, coastal feel. Upon unpacking for her new life in Connecticut, Morabito came across a package of liquid gold leaf that exploded after opening. Inspired by her brilliantly stained hands, Morabito decided that from then on, all her paintings, drawing and scrawls would be gilded. Throughout the years, her works maintained this trademark style, while also expanding to encompass the notion of how things, both physical and non-physical, disintegrate with neglect. This artistic realization was both fascinating and heartbreaking for Morabito, serving as her strong drive to visually express what cannot be found in words.

“I find this process interesting because it’s the same with people, and in both situations the result are often nearly imperceptible,” said Morabito. “There is beauty in imperfection and grace in experience."