Marshall Plan artist cracks open psyche with her paintbrush

January 5, 2007 - SPOKANE, WASH. In a biography to be released February 1 by Sombrero Press, artist Sally Pierone illustrates her secret to a long life - probing the inner frontier. Sally: The Older Woman's Illustrated Guide to Self-Improvement tells the tragicomic saga of Pierone's life and her art.

Upon turning 80, the former art director of the Marshall Plan began a new painting technique that involved pulling images from the unconscious. Now 86, Pierone has collected over 200 such paintings. She herself is surprised at the results: a bride struggling with "buyer's remorse" on her wedding day; a desert wanderer glimpsing an oasis just as a cell-phone appears on which to call for help; a diver finding buried treasure in shark-infested waters.

Her art allowed Pierone to discover her own buried treasure. "I don't know what's in here [tapping her chest]," she told author Judy Laddon. "I want to see what's going to come out." She added, "Lots of things that have been worrying me go away when the picture's finished."

Laddon, an award-winning journalist, says she chose to profile Pierone because, "She's the most intriguing person I've ever met." Over their 20-year friendship, Laddon, who formerly published Spokane Magazine, became convinced that Pierone's story deserved to be told.

The book begins when Pierone and her best friend set sail from America in 1950, ready for adventure in Rome, Florence and Paris. Determined to experience European life to the fullest, they mingled with bawdy bohemians, artists, writers, eccentric ex pats, Teddy Roosevelt's granddaughter and a beautiful Swiss spy.

Unfortunately, the Parisian lark ended three years later when Pierone's parents summoned her back to Spokane. Once home, she spent years struggling to break free from her possessive parents and cold, controlling husband.

It was only in her eighth decade of life that Pierone discovered the key to fulfillment. Through her paintings, she now shares her insights with others.

Please consider this portrait of an astonishing and courageous octogenarian for possible review. Complimentary copies are available.

The 256-page hardcover book showcases 40 full-color paintings.

Contact: Judy Laddon, (509) 747-8776, jladdon@gmail.com
http://www.SallytheBook.com.

###

Sombrero Press
P.O. Box 31166
Spokane, WA 99223