Mia Fonssagrives Solow

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Mia Fonssagrives Solow is an American contemporary artist based in New York,

internationally renowned for her whimsical aesthetic. Sculpting has been her passion

since childhood, driving her to seek pure lines, simple forms, serenity, and humor as

she observes the world around her.

50 years ago, her stepfather, Irving Penn, urged her to remain in her garage studio and

cultivate a substantial body of work. She heeded his advice, resulting in a prolific

exploration across numerous forms and mediums. Beginning with wood in the 1970s

and 1980s she then transitioned to bronze, glass, aluminum, and lucite fiberglass.

She financed her latest artwork materials by crafting over 500 pieces of jewelry in silver

and gold, which were showcased and sold in luxury stores along 5th Avenue and

designer windows for Cartier, Asprey, Bergdorf Goodman, and Librairie Maeght in Paris.

Her deep affection for animals serves as a constant inspiration for her collage and

painting creations. Through her art, she aims to raise awareness and funds for animal

causes, supporting organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, Animal

Medical Center, and Animals of the Rainforest.

 

Solow was enveloped in an environment rich with artistic influence. With parents Lisa

and Fernand Fonssagrives, and stepfather Irving Penn, all immersed in photography,

helped her observe and take in the world. It was natural for her to immerse herself in

art, dedicating weekends and after-school hours to creative endeavors.

Today, Solow utilizes her creativity into crafting animal forms, commencing with recycled

materials and culminating in aluminum, which is powder coated and baked. "I've been

fortunate," she reflects, "The drive to create remains constant. My gaze perpetually

seeks the unexpected, absorbing and translating through her fingers”.