Artist Bio

Gianna Pergamo is an illustrator and designer from Brooklyn, NY. She now lives and works in St Petersburg, FL. Gianna began combining paint and collage while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she graduated in 2011.

Gianna’s work centers around her love for animals. Whether outfitted in vintage clothing or transformed into a hybrid mermaid creature, her loveable cast of deer, pigs, raccoons, otters, cats, and more all have their own special stories to tell. Her interest in all types of animals is ever expanding as she finds inspiration in wildlife and the local nature parks surrounding her, as well as ecological research. Gianna’s favorites are the alligators, as she transforms foreboding and aggressive creatures into charming beings.

Gianna’s art ranges from character driven, narrative images to abstract, textural images. Her process involves layering original acrylic painting, photocopied (and re-photocopied and re-photocopied) images, drawing (with pen, pencil, and marker), gel transfers of patterns, and other materials. This creates literal physical depth which enhances the viewing experience and underscores the layers of meaning and interest.

Gianna usually works on several pieces at once so she is able to mix and match collaged pieces with painted ones. In this way a painting rarely follows a linear progression to its completion; Gianna starts with the intent of the pieces rather than a detailed plan. This allows her to have a more fluid and fun relationship with her characters as she responds to their individual dispositions and creates thoughtful worlds to suit each new animal friend. She begins her process by loosely sketching various scenes, interactions, and compositions. She then compiles imagery creating characters and scenarios that fit. Sometimes several paintings will be integrated into one, or one painting will be deconstructed into two or more. In this way, Gianna approaches her work as more an act of discovery than a task to be completed.

Gianna founded Pergamo Paper Goods in 2012, a wholesale and retail business which sells a line of items made from her art. Her work can be found both online as well as in boutiques and museum shops across the country. In 2019 she co-founded Toad Hill Farm with her partner Dan, a business which celebrates vintage imagery and a love of the natural world.