Geometry of Milano

In January of this year, my husband and I travelled to Milan, Italy. I previously resided 40 minutes west in a small city called Novara, and I wanted to visit a dear friend who is also an artist, illustrator and designer. I also had the opportunity to meet another artist who lives in Geneva, Switzerland. We met on Instagram and have since had two shows together in Basel. 

You may wonder why we chose to travel to Italy in the winter, rather than in the summer as most people do. For me, the winter is magical and provides an opportunity to experience things that I would not necessarily have in the summer.

Upon returning home, I was completely inspired by the beauty, art and architecture of Milan. I invite you to see the city through my eyes and appreciate the geometry of Milano. 

Artists, writers and thinkers often view travel as a transformative journey that alters perception, fuels creativity and fosters self-discovery. Until my next trip, I leave you with a well-known Italian quote about travel:

“work fills your pockets,

ADVENTURES FILL YOUR SOUL.”

Brera district, Milano

Two Paintings Selected for Extended Longlist

I am delighted to announce that two of my paintings have been selected for the Jackson’s Art Prize Extended Longlist! 

Mystic Realm

2025

Watercolour, acrylic and collage on art board

15 x 20 inches

Inaudible Sermons

2025

Watercolour, coloured pencil, acrylic and collage on paper

22.5 x 30 inches

This year set a new record, with 16,280 entries submitted from 110 countries, meaning the competition was incredibly strong. As an artist on the Extended Longlist of 4,200 works, my works have made it to the top 26% of entries.

INAUDIBLE SERMONS, 2025

MYSTIC REALM, 2025

WAAC Group Show March 26 - April 11

‘Known For Her Beauty’ has been selected for the ‘Women’s Voices’ group show at the Women’s Artist Association of Canada.

Women’s Voices : Second Show

A Women’s Art Association of Canada Exhibition

Exhibition Dates: Thursday, March 26, 2026 to Saturday, April 11, 2026

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 1 pm – 4 pm

Women’s Voices is a two-part exhibition presented by the Women’s Art Association of Canada in celebration of International Women’s Day. Developed through a national open call, the exhibition brings together a compelling selection of works by women artists from across Canada, reflecting the richness and diversity of contemporary artistic practice.

Curated by Elaine Fleck, the exhibitions explore themes of identity, expression, resilience, and community across a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, textile, installation, digital, and mixed media. The selected works highlight distinct perspectives and creative voices, offering space for storytelling, experimentation, and dialogue.

Presented at Dignam Gallery, Women’s Voices celebrates the breadth of women’s artistic contributions while fostering connection between artists and audiences. Rooted in open participation, the exhibition underscores the importance of visibility, community, and the power of women’s voices in shaping contemporary art.

Featured in Italy’s top interior design publication

My painting ‘Known For Her Beauty’ has been featured in the September issue of CasaFacile magazine!

I am so very happy to announce that my painting, ‘Known For Her Beauty’ has been featured in one of Italy’s top home décor magazine, CasaFacile! Honestly, this has been one of my ‘big dreams/goals’ since I began my art career. I literally devour this magazine in its digital format at the breakfast table each morning, and I still can’t believe my artwork is featured—and alongside two of my favourite artists: Ronan Bouroullec and Nathalie Du Pasquier, to boot!

Here is the translation in English of the article, written by Paolo Manca: 

"The powerful visual language of abstract art arises from the freedom to lose oneself in thought, embracing imperfection in the pursuit of precision." This reflection from, artist Allison Rietta, inspired us to lose ourselves in these eight works—one of which is hers—to which we can (re)give meaning, and imagine on the walls of our homes...

‘Known For Her Beauty’ 2024

15” x 20”

Watercolour, acrylic, hand-cut collage and gold leaf on art board

 Custom-framed in cherry under museum-grade glass (AGUV)

Available for Viewing:

Studio 154

Wychwood Barns

601 Christie Street

Toronto

For Purchase Inquiries:

Email allison.rietta@gmail.com

CasaFacile magazine cover photo by @francescamaiolino

Feature written by Paolo Manca

Group Art Exhibition / Basel, Switzerland / August 22 - 31, 2025

I am very delighted to announce that my new Talvi collection will be exhibiting in Basel, Switzerland for the juried group exhibition at FLOW Art Space Basel. This is the 2nd summer group show and will take place during Kunsttage Basel, August 22 – 31, 2025

Gallery: @flowartspacebasel
Vernissage: Thu, 21.08.25, 17–21 h
Opening Hours:
Fri, 22.08.25–Sat, 23.08.25: 14–20 h
Sun, 24.08.25: 14–18 h
Wed, 27.08.25–Thu, 28.08.25: 14–18 h
Fri, 29.08.25–Sun, 31.08.25: 12–18 h

Oberer Rheinweg 47, Basel
www.flow-basel.ch

The Affordable Art Fair New York / 19 - 23 March 2025

Selected artwork will be going to The Affordable Art Fair New York with Spence Gallery, Toronto. The fair runs from 19 - 23 March, 2025

Location: Metropolitan Pavilion, West 18th Street, New York, NY, USA

Wednesday, March 19
6pm – 9pm
Thursday, March 20
12pm – 8pm
Friday, March 21
12pm – 9pm
Saturday, March 22
10am – 8pm
Sunday, March 23
10am – 5pm

Dreaming In Color In New York

Group Show at Yellow Studio Gallery, NY

'Dreaming in Color' at The Gallery at Yellow Studio in Cross River, New York. My work is on exhibit alongside artists Katy Ferrarone and Emily Keating Snyder. The show explores the intersection of mindfulness, color, and geometric abstraction in contemporary art. 

September 14 to October 11, 2024
Opening reception on Saturday, September 14 from 4-6pm

Yellow Studio
Yellow Monkey Village
792 Route 35
Cross River, NY 10518

Residency in Finland

In March of 2024 I spent five weeks in Finland, four of which at an artist residency called Arteles Creative Center in the village of Haukijärvi, located in west-central Finland. This particular region was quoted as “a landscape of outstanding natural and cultural heritage” by the Finnish Tourist Board, and it didn’t disappoint! The center itself is in a restored timber house built in 1897, with an addition of a traditional sauna on the property that was added in 1961. The center has been running as a residency for the past 14 years and has attracted over 220 artists, architects, designers and writers from 39 countries around the world.   

Each morning, I woke to an ever-changing landscape full of natural light, the singsong of birds and the smell of wood burning. It was such a luxury to have uninterrupted days of quiet and exploration, as I created art every single day. Of course, like any time away from the usual day-to-day distractions, there comes with it moments of difficulty and even sadness. Recognizing that it is all part of the process can be hard when you are in it. The challenge of living among so many people—there were 13 of us in total—was the biggest challenge for me. Two days of silence per week, daily meditation, walks in nature, and my yoga practice allowed for deep self-reflection that welcomed all emotions—good or bad—to surface with honesty and truth.

Being there for the entire month of March meant witnessing the magical transition from winter to spring. One of the residents, whom I got to know quite well, wrote this passage that beautifully describes the interconnectedness of every being.

She writes:

The swans arrived on the lake one week after us

like us, they stay here for a while

like us, at a time, they will move to a different place

like migrating birds, each one if following its inner compass

Hotel Art

The Holbrook Danville in the Old West End District in VA, USA has exclusively acquired over 350 limited editions artwork for their new 42-room boutique hotel. Interior design firm Cameron Harris Interiors curated the artwork for each room, guest amenities areas, main lobby, elevator and hallways, as well as the Owner’s Suite for VIP guests.

Shortlisted for the VAO Emerging Artist Award

I am very pleased to announce that my painting ‘Pastel Overtone’ has been shortlisted for the VAO (Visual Arts Open) Award for UK and International Emerging Artists 2023.

Pastel Overtone, 2023. 30” x 20” (76 × 51 cm) Watercolour, acrylic and paper collage on art board.

Long listed for the Jackson's Painting Prize

I am delighted to announce that I have been longlisted for the Jackson’s Painting Prize in the UK. My painting, ‘A Bee’s Hymn’ is longlisted for the non-representational category. This year, Jackson’s received a record number of entries: 11,255 from 107 countries. The long list was narrowed down to only 452 artworks! I am honoured to have been chosen at the top 4% of artists who submitted their work.

The Jackson’s Painting Prize started in 2016 to spotlight amateur and emerging artists, and has steadily grown in size and reputation to where it is today. Jackson’s is dedicated to providing entrants worldwide with better opportunities year on year, and building an inspiring community of talent.

A Bee’s Hymn, 2022. 22 x 30 inches. Watercolour and acrylic on paper

British Vogue

Three of my geometric abstract paintings were featured in British Vogue’s ‘Vogue Gallery’ in the print issues of March, April and May, 2022.

‘Lunula’ 20 x 30 inches. Watercolour and acrylic on cotton rag art board;  ‘A Rush of Silence’ 22.5 x 30 inches. Watercolour and acrylic on paper; and ‘More Subtle in Nature’ 22.5 x 30 inches. Watercolour and acrylic on paper. All three paintings sold at the Artist Project Contemporary Art Fair in Toronto that Spring.

‘A Rush of Silence’ is available as a fine art print, limited editions of 20,  available in two sizes: 12 x 18 inches and  16 x 24 inches for $245. Reach out to me directly if interested.

‘Lunula’ and ‘More Subtle in Nature’ editions are exclusively available at Beheld, an online boutique shop offering a curated selection of unique art for kids’ spaces. Various sizes and frames available.  (@beheldartworks)

All prints are archival ink on 350 gsm Museum Etchings by Hahnemühle paper, and are printed by Imagefoundry in Toronto, Canada.  

Lunula, 2022. 20 x 30 inches. Watercolour and acrylic on art board

A Rush of Silence, 2022. 22 x 30 inches. Watercolour and acrylic on paper

More Subtle in Nature, 2022. 22 x 30 inches. Watercolour and acrylic on paper

Podcast Interview

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My Interview with Curator On The Go Podcast

After only connecting a week ago, Liza Zhurkovskaya hit it off immediately! So much so, that she invited me to be her guest on her podcast, Curator On The Go. I was thrilled she asked me. Liza made me so comfortable right away, that all of my anxieties melted away after only a few minutes into the interview. If you would like to know more about my work, background and personal journey to becoming an artist, please take a listen!

Allison xo

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See Allison’s graphic design work at Diagonal

Plan Everything, But Live In The Moment

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We are living in a time when everything is shifting. A time of unexpected turns and unforeseen change. How do we adapt and flow with everything without getting caught up with ‘hanging on’ to how things used to be? 
 
Recently, I had some important plans fall through because of COVID-19. I was supposed to be attending a course in the US to become a Certified Sound + Vibrational Therapist. This was something I was planning for a long time and it was very important to me and my growth. I found myself feeling helpless as I watched my plans unravel before my eyes. The heaviness of it overwhelmed me. I just couldn’t seem to let go. I asked myself, “If I do let go, what then? What will happen to me without these plans? Will I vanish into the vortex with them? What am I without these plans?”  
 
Then…I laughed. 
 
I laughed as I realized how easily caught up I became in the plans, as if being caught like a fish in a net. Its nylon fibres weaving their way into my flesh, twisting and grinning, twisting and grinning, as I try to break free. It was only in my intense resistance that I realized liberation will come from unattachment.  I remembered the beautiful words spoken by one of my spiritual teachers, Fr. Charles Ogada, “Plan everything, but always live in the moment. Don’t get stuck in your plans. You will become divided and conflicted if you do”. 
 
There is an ancient Sanskrit proverb that says, 
 
“The arrows of suffering that will pierce our hearts are equal to the number of our attachments”. 
 
One very powerful way to practise letting go of our attachments is yoga nidra. Yoga nidra taps into ways we can investigate and explore emotions and thought-patterns. With regular practice, we can navigate with presence and attention, and become less attached and more equinimous. As Pierre Bonnasse states so beautifully in his book, Yoga Nidra Meditation, The Sleep of the Sages: 
 
“The aim of yoga nidra as a means, is to recognize and understand all the manifestations of these states in a deep, alert, and equinimous state of peace. For in order to let go of something, one must know what one is holding on to. Thus, by observing and letting go of all phenomena, the yogi can finally enjoy this never-ending sleep, empty of all thoughts, whether he is busy doing something, dreaming, or fast asleep.”

With much love and gratitude,

Allison

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I am very happy to announce that I will be offering an online Yoga Nidra + Sound practice each Thursday evening from 19:30 to 20:30 EST via Zoom.

The application of both yoga nidra with healing sound can reset or re-pattern the energy body to a more harmonious state of health. Both practices transmits intentions and emotions, which can cause relaxation to occur on a cellular level.

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What to expect during a Yoga Nidra + Sound practice:

We start grounding the body and softening the nervous system with breath work and healing sound.

We lie on the floor in Savasana, using props and blankets as desired. If lying on the floor is not possible, you may use a chair or lie in your bed.

Yoga nidra practice begins with relaxation and setting an intention—a Sankalpa.

You will be guided through the practice by listening to my voice and instructions. I will take you through the different sheaths of yoga nidra: the Annamaya kosha (physical body), Pranamaya kosha (energetic body), Manomaya kosha (mental), Vijnamaya kosha (intuitive body) and finally, the Anandamaya kosha (bliss body).

Near the end of the practice, I will create a sound and vibrational experience using my hand-made Himalayan Singing Bowls.

As the practice comes to an end, we come back to the intention we set at the beginning of class, and then slowly start waking up the body.

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Abundance

In A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle writes,

“Acknowledging the good that is already in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”

Wow. I must have re-read these words a dozen times. What really speaks to me is the word acknowledgement. One of the ways I acknowledge the abundance in my life is to write in my gratitude journal each night before going to bed. Typically, I write three to five things I am grateful for that day, but lately I haven’t been doing this and I am starting to feel the effects: When I don’t write in my journal, I feel contracted and tight, and I lack self-compassion and compassion toward others. I feel stuck.

One of the ways I try to get “unstuck” is to look back at some of my older journal entries. I am always curious to see what I wrote, how often, and how it affected me in other parts of my life. I came across entries from last year. It was almost one year ago today that I took a solo trip to Italy at Mandali Retreats, near Lago d’Orta. I used to live in Italy—in fact, I lived an hour away from the retreat centre—so, I was excited to go and see old friends and visit the places I used to call home. My journal entries during the trip were packed-full with things I was grateful for—from the smell of the meadow grass outside my window, to the new friendships I made at the retreat centre. I never once felt like I was lacking in anything. In fact, I felt full—full of abundance. You only need to take one look at the photos above and below to see how much abundance was around me—the trees, the birds, the mountain hills and the beautiful lake, seen 1000 metres below.

Tolle continues to write,

“The fact is: Whatever you think the world is withholding from you, you are withholding from the world. You are withholding it because deep down you think you are small and that you have nothing to give”.

Typically, when we think of abundance, we think of receiving. Abundance also means giving. What you are giving out into the world. Your expansion. Your exhale. This is a beautiful concept to help shift our mindset from thinking small to thinking big—allowing us to see how big our worth is in this world. We all have something to give! We are all abundant! And you don’t need to travel to Italy to come to this realization—although I must admit, it helps!

When I returned from my trip to Mandali, I wrote a story about my experience during one of our meditation practices with Steve Cope. Months later, I shared the story with my students, by incorporating it into one of my Yoga Nidra classes. I humbly share my story with you now:

The room is almost perfectly square. Barely furnished, with a single, low cabinet at the front wall. The top of the cabinet holds a simple vase of flowers and a copper tray of unlit incense. The room glows buoyantly like the final embers in a dying fire. Two vertical windows to the left of the cabinet are slightly open, letting in the evening mountain air. The wall right of the cabinet is comprised almost entirely of glass. Sliding doors lead onto the Silent Terrace that overlooks Lake Orta, 900 metres below. 

Inside, seven people sit cross-legged on the floor. Their bodies form a circle. At the centre of the circle, sits their teacher. All seven pairs of eyes are either closed or half-closed. All are sitting in complete silence. Each lost in their own thoughts. Each desperately trying to still their “monkey minds” and find peace in the present moment. Subtle movements are made, as they try to adjust their position. Allowing the wood-panelled floor beneath them to fully support their bodies. Some sit on dark red cushions made of flaxseed that crunch beneath their hips. 

Sounds can be heard from the kitchen below. Low voices in Italian, speaking quickly, as they finish cleaning up after the dinner rush. A single, sharp noise can be heard from outside of one of the two windows. A bird? A goat from the nearby farm? It begins to rain. The rhythmic sound it makes against the wooden shutters are comforting. In the distance the wind begins to make an appearance and the sound of its gusts can now be clearly heard. 

The faintest smell of a previously burned stick of incense can be detected inside of the room. The smell of the rain outside is strong as it hits the grassy field and dirt road. The fragrance of the earth is unmistakable. Tasting it as you inhale deeply and feeling grateful and blessed as you exhale completely.

I would like to express my gratitude and love to @mandali.org. Since closing their doors this year due to COVID-19, they offer beautiful online practices such as; morning meditations, evening yoga nidra, and kirtan. If you are interested, see their website for all the classes offered. ⚡

With love and gratitude,

Allison

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See Allison’s graphic design work at Diagonal