artist statement
An embryonic idea insinuates itself, a painting is born. Sometimes an idea appears out of the blue, other times it is observed. Everyday activities, past experiences, daydreams, literature, music and art feed a thought. Nursing visual notes – possibilities are sketched, models are drawn, colors are tested, and art museums and books are visited.
The work begins – the original idea changes and grows. Before my eyes an image forms as pencil and paint are applied to support. This application of materials is very exciting. Often, new decisions and revisions re-form the painting. A struggle may ensue between the painting and me giving the image a life of its own that has nothing in common with the original idea. When complete, a painting is successful if it expresses my point of view and, at the same time, has broader appeal.
The finished piece is a testament to my effort to produce a unique “thing.” The process is exhilarating for sure, however, it is the desire to create that pushes me into the process and, in the end, it is created for both of us: you, the viewer, and me, the painter.
What is the relationship between a viewer and a painting? The viewer decides if he or she wants to linger and connect with a work of art. There can be great satisfaction in savoring the visual feast of a painting. A painting may evoke a better understanding of our own interior – encourage travel to field and forest, imagined and abstract lands, and soulful eyes. A cherished painting becomes a beloved member of our family.
The more we engage with different styles and schools of painting, the more we grow in our understanding of artistic expression. Paintings build off one another. What seemed foreign to us in the past may be understandable and enjoyable today. Contemplation, disciplined looking, and reading about art and artists broadens our vision and offers richness to our lives.
A final observation – Van Gogh’s, A Starry Night at The Modern is one of the most recognized and popular paintings in the world. It portrays a pure and simple idea, a beautiful sky over a nestled-in town. The painting is a wonderful visual journey inviting many interpretations. And, in the end, all painters are viewers of other’s and their own work; together we enter a painting to find answers to our most personal and universal questions.
resume
EDUCATION
1998–2003 — Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Certificate Program
1997–1998 — Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Studio for Advanced Study
Graduated 1969 — Moore College of Art, Bachelor of Science in Art Education
Cazenovia College
EXHIBITS
October 2020 – Gross McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, One-Woman Show
September 2018 – Eagles Mere Workshop Instructors Exhibit
January 2017 – Rock House Gallery, Key West, FL
November 2016 – Gross McLeaf Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, Inside out
May 2016 – Main Line Art Center, Gala Show (juried)
April 2015 – Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA, The Five Bs (juried)
March 2015 – Gross McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, Sow Your Rows
September 2014 – Wayne Art Center, Wayne,PA, Annual Show (juried)
November 2013 – Gross McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, One-Woman Show
2012 – Tribute to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, The Artist’s House, Philadelphia, PA (selected)
2011 – 3C: Create. Connect. Collect, Main Line Art Center, Haverford, PA (juried)
June 2010 – Art in the Open, Philadelphia, PA (juried)
June to September 2011 – State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA, Art of the State Juried Show
March 2011 – Gross McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, One-Woman Show
August 2010 – Gross McCleaf Gallery 40th Anniversary Group Show
June 2010 – Art in the Open, Philadelphia, PA (juried)
September to Oct. 2009 – Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA, ‘In Her Studio” Solo Exhibit
June to September 2009 – State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA, Art of the State Juried Show
June to August 2009 – Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA, Landscape Exhibit
October 2008 – Gross McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, One-Woman Show
January 2007 – Woodmere Art Museum Annual Juried Show
January 2007 – Gross McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, Invitational “Still Life” exhibit
October 2006 – Main Line Art Center, Haverford, PA, A Juried Nine Artist Show
April 2006 – Mangel Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, One-Woman Show
June to Sept. 2005 – State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA, Art of the State Juried Show
February 2005 – Moore College of Art, 2005 Alumnae Show
October 2004 – Mangel Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, One Woman Show
April 2004 – Mangel Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, Small Gallery Show
January and February 2004 – Mangel Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, Group Show
February 2004 – Moore College of Art, Philadelphia, PA, 2004 Alumnae Show
November 2003 to January 2004 – 103rd Philadelphia Water Color Society International Exhibit, Works on Paper (juried)
May 2003 – Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student Exhibition
The Complete Painter’s Handbook, American Artist, 2012. Standalone with quote, pages 124 and 129.
The Artist’s Magazine, June 2011. “Colorful Characters,” feature article by Ruth Meyer.
The Daily Artist, Website, May 2011. Joan Becker – The Grand Canyon of Painting, article by Courtney Jordan.
Color for Painters: A Guide to Traditions and Practice, by Al Gury. Published by Watson-Guptill, New York, 2010, pages 30 and 31.
American Artist, January 2009, “Keeping Yourself &Viewers Engaged in your Art,” by M. Stephen Doherty, pages 30 to 37.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Weekend, Friday, October 17, 2008. Review with photo by Victoria Donohue, pp.34.
Broad Street Review, Wednesday, October 8, 2008. Review with photo by Andrew Mangravite.
Art Matters, October 2008, standalone with caption, pp. 11.
Philadelphia Magazine Online, October 2008. Review with image.
New American Paintings, No. 63, May/June 2006, The Open Studio Press, four pages.
Philadelphia Magazine, April 2006, standalone with caption, pp. 50.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Weekend, Friday, October 15, 2004. Review with photo by Edward J. Sozanski, p
Philadelphia Style, Prime Time for Art, October 2004. Review by Anne R. Fabbri, pp 62.
AWARDS AND PRIZES
September 2014 – Wayne Art Center Annual Juried Show, Best in Show
January 2007 – Woodmere Art Museum Founder’s Award
Spring 2003 – The Charles Toppen Prize for Drawing, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student
Spring 2003 – The Philadelphia Water Color Society Prize, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student Exhibition
Spring 2003 – The Benjamin West Prize (Special Notice), Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student Exhibition
Spring 2003 – Simone C. Titone Prize, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student Exhibition
Spring 2003 – The Eleanor S. Gray Prize for Still Life, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student Exhibition
Spring 2003 – The Irma H. Cook Prize for Excellence in Drawing, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student Exhibition
Spring 2003 – The Deena Gu Prize, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student Exhibition
Spring 2003 – The Gross McCleaf Gallery Prize in Memory of Estelle Shane Gross, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student Exhibition
Spring 2003 – The Women’s Board Prize, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student Exhibition
Spring 2003 – The Vermont Studio Center Residency, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Annual Student Exhibition
RESIDENCIES AND GRANTS
August 2004 – The Vermont Studio Center (grant and residency)
September and October 2003 – The Vermont Studio Center (grant and residency)
COLLECTIONS
Marlborough Hospital, University of MA, Marlborough New Jersey
Princeton Hospital, Princeton, New Jersey
Iroko Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania