As a young girl I remember gravitating to magical worlds inhabited by the small and intimate. My passion provided a tranquility that released me from the daily chatter and stresses of growing up, leaving room for my imagination to run wild. “A Whisper & A Kiss” is a somewhat fragile graphite drawing with little fragments collaged on. In process, it felt reminiscent of those early years. Line, form and space converged spontaneously, unleashing a rapture of twist and tumble and subtlety. Like a breath of fresh air…

I haven't written much these past two years. My artistic efforts have mainly gone into my painting. But I did find plenty of time to sit with the unspoken delicate beauty lying in impermanence. Even the darkest chapters oddly lent themselves to the light, and we deserve to celebrate that resilience. 

What is it we all search for in our work? Perhaps I can best describe my own quest as a state of mind, where all my uncategorized emotions and feelings spill out. Complex and multi-layered, “Don't You Carry Stones” evolved from bits and pieces of torn paper and debris…discarded stuff that didn't quite ‘fit’ anywhere. Intrigued by the ensuing dimensionality and intangible tension, I got lost in the tonal qualities and juxtaposition of form as I painted. Bliss…

In retrospect, I wonder what actual relevance material things would have were it not for the emotional weight I choose to give them. Any thoughts on that one?

My desire to change things up now and then is at times relentless. No doubt my etching background spiked the sudden urge to revisit the physicality of a hand-pulled print. The familiarity felt exhilarating, and along with painting, helped me to successfully navigate the colder months. Altho collagraph is new to me, I look forward to how these two worlds of paint and print will converse and complement each other as the year ahead unfolds. So stay tuned.

I am incredibly humbled to have all four of the above works included in Showcase Exhibition 1 at the Robert H. Angeloch Gallery in Woodstock, NY.  WSA and its staff have been a lifeline for me over these challenging months. They've offered me serenity, a sense of belonging and a space for reflection. Featuring the work of 80+ prolific Hudson Valley art students, this diverse show remains on view through April 2nd.  Check their updated covid policy before visiting. Regular gallery hours are Mon. thru Sat., 9-3, and online viewing is just a click away! 

Somewhere near Woodstock? Come celebrate with us at the CLOSING RECEPTION: Saturday, April 2nd, from 2-5 pm. All sales help to sustain both artists and the school. See you there!

Artwork / Photos / Poetry © Roxie Johnson 2022. 

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