Hi First name / friend! With holiday frenzy in full swing, have you found yourself craving the quieter moments yet? I wander the studio on days like this, if only to reflect on which parts of ‘normal’ I chose to rush back to. Sharing creative moments? Undeniably a keeper. It warms me up, calms me down, and just…feels…good. So thank you for hanging in there with me.

 

Finishing touches went on “Defying Gravity” back in late spring. I call it a signature piece because it represents a collection of work that personifies my fascination with human consciousness and the undaunted essence of change. Through the making, this current series grew into a visual dialog comprised of deeply saturated, translucent form and space, where even the slightest hint of underlying structure beckoned further examination. I am thrilled to have gallerist + artist, Anne Sanger, include several of these paintings in ”A Sense of an Ending" at PINKWATER GALLERY in uptown Kingston, NY. Anne masterfully "selected with an eye towards the beautiful melancholy of winter”…an exhibit you simply won't want to miss!

December 1st - January 16th

56 North Front Street, Kingston NY

Gallery hours: Thurs-Sun, 11 am - 6 pm

My desire for a broader vocabulary has taught me to love the space in between words. And how the visual appearance of emptiness owns its depth, both encompassing and even complementing the verse. 

 

Reminiscent of those lost or distant to me, this simple poem bears a touch of melancholy, while unveiling the subtle beauty in lingering presence. 

How does one find magic in the darker months of winter? I'm thinking it's either chance or simply knowing where to look. Turning inward feels like a good place to start. And painting has its way of illuminating the journey for me.

“Pretty in Pink” is an unusual piece I am particularly proud of. Begun in an online class with mentor + artist, Meredith Rosier, there was no preliminary draft. My often obsessive process of scraping and reapplication resulted in what you see here. This remains on view in WSA's 2022 Alumni Exhibition through Saturday, December 10th.

Robert Angeloch Gallery

Thru Saturday, December 10th

Gallery hours: Mon - Sat, 9am - 3 pm

Imagine the Maine coastline in winter…a little treasure available at ARTS MID-HUDSON in SMALL WORKS through February 3rd.

And this graphite drawing is currently in GRATITUDE…WAAM's Annual Members’ Holiday Exhibition & Sale through Dec. 31st.

I'm known to scribble little notes to leave in odd places around my studio. Not that they have any actual organizational aspect. More like friendly missives that keep me company, spark a title, or influence an upcoming series. Here's a favorite…

Celebrate with joy & grace. See you next year! ❤️

Artwork / Photos / Poetry © Roxie Johnson 2022. 

All rights reserved.