What's the Inspiration Behind the Artist? Facio is the Voice of Creativity

Whether we explore photography, music, sculpture – any creative pursuit – we are artists. It matters not how one discipline may differ from another, we are one. We think the same. We're wired the same.

Josh Simpson (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Rossi)

Celebrating that connection is the premise of a new series, Facio | Create, as described by its creator, multi-award winning photographer, director and producer, Mike Rossi. Facio, pronounced FAH’-key-oh in classical Latin, means ‘to make or create.’

“I created Facio to educate and assist fellow artists who may be struggling creatively or have lost their way,” said Rossi. “I've been there. I've been through it. My hope is that, by sharing the stories and insights of accomplished artists, Facio will serve as inspiration for others seeking to perfect their craft.”

The artists interviewed are legends in their fields – master glass artist Josh Simpson, keyboardist and founder of Derek and the Dominos Bobby Whitlock, and saxophonist John Isley, to name three – tell personal stories of beginnings, of sources of inspiration, and of the little twists of chance that led to some momentous revelations and artistic opportunities. Each half hour episode focuses on one artist’s insight on art and creativity, and creative pacing.

John Isley (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Rossi)

Facio | Create will debut on WSBE Rhode Island PBS on Thursday, November 5, 2015. For the first season, two episodes will air back-to-back at 10 and 10:30 p.m.

A television veteran with more than 25 years of broadcast experience, Rossi has spent his time in recent years organizing charity productions to help non-profit organizations. Rossi is also the producer and director of two series for WSBE Rhode Island PBS, Antiques Alley and East Coast Antiques. In his free time, he creates art photography with glass artist Josh Simpson.

“I offer Facio as tool for your artistic tool chest,” Rossi mused. “I clearly remember what it was like to wish I would find my voice. Discovery is a great feeling. It’s an awesome, tumultuous ride. Looking back through the endless nights, the ups, downs, sideways, I wouldn't change a thing,” he said.

Facio | Create in its simplest form is a commentary on art through artists' eyes.


WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on RI cable: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; on MA cable: Comcast 819HD, Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36.

WSBE Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; in Rhode Island on Cox 808; Verizon FiOS 478; Full Channel 89; and in Massachusetts on Comcast 294 or 312.