Ian Paratore
My name is Ian Paratore. I am a mixed media artist, born and raised in San Francisco. I work with paper, and create art with anything on its way to disregard; never using brand new materials. My work serves as a reminder to be a problem solver, and points to the finite nature of our lives, comforts, and surroundings. I collage using only upcycled materials to allude to the disposable nature of our consumerism. My undergraduate years were full of the social sciences and taught me about the meaning of sustainability. Renewable energy became a focus of mine, but the energy industry deterred me from pursuing a career in the field. Art became my way back into promoting a sustainable consciousness. My work is full of like images meshing together to create symbols and visual puzzles. Sometimes my work is thoroughly mapped out, other times it is more free flowing and abstract. I am inspired by individuals, young and old, who have accomplished amazing things, who had the courage to commit to a big change in their lives, or maybe to face a fear of heights. I aim to help make those kinds of leaps more conceivable, with conversation and art.
