The New England Studio of Bob Orsillo 1990 - 2007
by Abby Girardi

For many years Bob Orsillo kept a studio in Copley Square, Boston. The Owl, In the rounded doorway of the temple ruins, before a cresent moon, surrounded by water. A mystery woman holds up her arms and releases a great owl into the night. As night herons and a single snow old look on. All there reflections appear in the water that surrounds the ruins.A wonderful place with massive floor space, huge brick walls, 14 ft - 18ft ceilings and giant windows that offered up a incredible view of Boston. For anyone who has been to the Copley Square Studio I think you would be surprised by the contrast of his new studio. However we really can not call it new since it was built before 1743. For those who never have been, Orsillo's Boston studio can be seen in a movie about a Boston Detective and was used as a backdrop in a murder mystery novel.

Rumors Galore. Presidents, Generals & Ghosts. Dating back before the year 1743, Bob Orsillo's New England farm house; built by traditional New Hampshire builders; and studio are full of ghost stories and folk lure. During the early 1980's his house was featured on the The Whooping Crane - Standing at waters edge. Shows a naked woman draped in dark flowing silk coving parts of her body to add to the mystery a large whooping crane in agressive motion is beside her as her protector. In the background stands snow covered mountians. - copyright © 2007 bob orsillotelevision show “Unsolved Mysteries”. Rumor has it that one of Americans most famous Revolutionary War Generals spent a few nights here. And although George Washington did not sleep here, it is said he stopped here for food and drink before continuing his journey to Concord. The smaller house on the property was built in the 1600's and was home to the British Tax collectors.

Bob's studio consists of two buildings. Not unusual when you consider the materials he works with. The largest is a converted three story New England barn. The first floor is home to his gallery and meeting place. A warm Victorian fireplace greets you as you walk in. Rough cut wainscoting and rough plaster walls add to the old barns charm.

The second floor is the paint and photography studio. This area allows Bob to work on canvas and board as large as twenty feet long and ten feet high. The third floor is a small music recording studio. The second building houses Bob's Sculpture Studio / Wood Shop and Office. However it should be pointed out, his work spaces are subject to Title 1936. A New England Fall scene with a rich cloudy sky making us think of the coming winter. The march grasses have turn to browns and golds and reflect in the water. A 1936 black Chevy Sedan is parked on the gravel driveway next to Queen Ann Cottage, its trunk open waiting for the owners to pack up for the summer.change like New England weather. The only constant about Bob's studio is it is always changing to suit his work.

Contributed by Abby Girardi

Bob lives and works in Portland Maine (Old Port)

The Studio

Underwater scene a mermaid with a trident reaches up to lighly touch the fingers of drownding sailor. In the distance sharks swim and his ship settles to teh sea floor. Copyright Bob Orsillo