My first TV Interview was by Karen Hasby in her Newsday Office in 1983.  She reviewed the  ”Classic Works” covering traditional themes such as flowers and cathedrals.  Karen  delved into my Picassoesque “Mod Works.”  But it was my unusual new theme of grates, water covers and manhole covers that caught her attention.

You can view the video on You Tube:  Bobbi Mastrangelo Grateworks Beginnings – YouTube

Images of all three of my art periods are archived here: Interview with contemporary artist Bobbi Mastrangelo, ‘the grate’

I was really excited about my second TV Interview to be taped at our St. James Home in January 1987. In preparation I bartered with an artistic rug company who designed a  roadscape with a yellow stripe across the gray carpet. So when were they available to install their creation? You guessed it!  The morning of the Interview. Every floor bound item and the furniture had to be removed. But when the gray and black grate, artist brush and the white script for “Grate Works” appeared in the carpet, I was thrilled and energized. In short order the studio was ready for guests.

 Bobbi Mastrangelo in her “Upstairs Studio” January 1987

Bobbi Mastrangelo in her St. James Studio

“We’re hungry!  Do you know of a good pizzeria?” So we drove to Smithtown.  Before we ate, Bob Johnson photographed people walking over manhole covers and cars speeding over them. During lunch, Rosemary Gomez casually inquired about my art theme and explained their goals.  After lunch we drove back to St. James where they filmed me doing a rubbing of a manhole cover.

Back at my home they taped  me in the upstairs carpeted studio and in the basement print shop. They added photos of my art work, manhole cover fashions and the manhole cover bedspread in our son’s room. In my guest book, Rosemary Gomez said her favorites were “When the People Care,” “A Piece of the Road” (the rusty grate with litter) and everything else. Bob Johnson wrote that “Hopscotch” was his favorite. Just seeing their autographs in my Guest Book triggers memories of a very special afternoon.

Bobbi Mastrangelo in her Print Shop

Dear Viewers:  after watching the News 12 video, please share your favorite aspects or favorite artwork in the comment section.  Manhole Covers Facinate Bobbi Mastrangelo – YouTube