PROFILE

“’Skill as the result of knowledge and practice’ is one of dictionary definition of art…. along with this developed skill I would add imagination and inspiration as important additives to the more complete concept of art. Visual imagination seems to me, to be awareness of things both seen and felt, the more sensitive we are to possible inspiration in the world’s changing façade the more fully we live and partake of art.

Although I like to work spontaneously and intuitively with both material and ideas, and often follow the inclination of line, a color, or even a sound – I do feel that spontaneity alone is not enough. It must be grafted on to a sound root system of understanding and concern for spatial order – even though it may take an unusual turn of its own. True freedom seems to come in art when the artist can express his point of view – directly, intuitively from a background of understanding. To me, art is constructive and not destructive.

I work with vitreous enamel on steel, a material that is terse, exacting, and demanding. The surface is glass ands the support is tough. I find this material; speaks for my imagery with precision and exactness. The idiom I use is energetic and compulsive. The forthright pull of the surface reflection has a much-needed shine that I respond to with vigor. The happenings that occur in the furnace add mystery to the process of painting, where one is in charge, but in this material it takes on a character of its own. I feel that painting on steel with vitreous enamel allows me space to explore imagery that expresses my reaction to the physical systems of light and change”.

Jo Ann recently passed away.