Cindy Petruccillo lives and works in Providence, Rhode Island. She has been teaching Visual Arts for over 23 years at various universities in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, including the University of Rhode Island, Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Roger Williams University, University of the Arts, and the Art Institute of Philadelphia. As a fine art photographer, Cindy blends photo-based imagery with drawing, mixed media, and digital manipulation. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Photography from Tyler School of Art at Temple University.
Artist Statement
My work is a reflection of my masked reality. As a storyteller, I visually illustrate my narratives to evoke emotional sensations. My stories express the melodies of my sorrows, acknowledge the fragility of powerful bonds, and reconstruct tales of my childhood fears. By combining photography, painting, and drawing, I transform the surfaces of my final works into fantastical landscapes. Each piece involves setting up a photograph, building props, and applying digital manipulation and mixed media materials, all contributing to my narratives. I derive concepts from my experiences, and suddenly, the characters, colors, and symbols emerge to play their part. The subjects of my work come from real-life moments of loss and grief that organically materialize and find their place within the scene. These narratives seek to engage with the viewer’s vulnerabilities, gently pulling or nudging at them. Regardless of the medium or method employed, the ultimate goal is to awaken and expel.
Additional Info:
Artist’s Website: Cindy Petruccillo Instagram: @heartspeek
Part of Growing the NetWorks
This artist was selected by a past NetWorks Rhode Island participant as part of Growing the NetWorks — a 2025 exhibition presented by WaterFire Providence, at the WaterFire Arts Center, celebrating peer-nominated artists from across Rhode Island. Learn more at waterfire.org/growingthenetworks
Highlighting the work of selected artists who have played vital roles in shaping the contemporary visual arts community in Rhode Island. This collection of brief video portraits provides a window into the lives, practices, and cultural contributions of professional artists.
