Today we’d like to introduce you to Joan White.
Joan, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
After earning my BFA from SAIC in 1983, I moved to the north woods of Wis. and opened a studio/gallery in what was once a tiny church with the goal of making my living as an artist. I realized my true passion was painting and being in the forest, so I combined the two and literally started painting on trees…specifically unusual wood slices with interesting grain patterns. Within these patterns my imagination showed me images of nature and its creatures. I gradually developed a transparent oil painting style that conveys my vision yet allows the natural beauty of the wood to show through. With the help of my husband, who prepares the wood, I continue to enjoy a successful career doing what I love most, being in nature and creating art.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
The forest is my spiritual home. The trees, birds, rivers, lakes and animals are my inspiration. Every day I hike, ski or paddle in the National Forest that is right out my back door. I hope that people who see my work feel the connection that I have to the natural world. I hope they find enjoyment looking deeply at the many layered images I paint into each piece and that this helps them understand the interconnectedness of all things. I hope it helps them appreciate nature.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
I have been fortunate to have built a following of collectors over my 30+ years as an artist. It takes commitment and work to cultivate relationships with folks who support the arts. I think the internet and social media are a big help in self-promoting, more convenient than traveling to shows. However, there is nothing better than the person to person relationship and seeing art in real life.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
The best way to see and purchase my work is in real life by visiting my studio/gallery in Lakewood, Wis. I am open to the public all year, but it’s best to contact me for hours. 715-276-6464. People can also view my website, www.joanwhite.com or follow me on Facebook; www.facebook.com/JoanWhiteWoodPaintings
Contact Info:
- Address: Nicolet Studio, P.O. Box 163, (15346 Gage St.) Lakewood, WI 54138
- Website: www.joanwhite.com
- Phone: 715-276-6464
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoanWhiteWoodPaintings
Nesting, Thu Aug 13, 2015, 9:17:24 AM, 8C, 6000×4752, (0+1203), 100%, darkened midto, 1/25 s, R70.9, G66.3, B106.3
Image Credit:
#1 Deep Roots, oil painting on Oak burl by Joan White
#2 Mystic Mountains, oil painting on Maple burl by Joan White
#3 Nesting, oil painting on cherry burl by Joan White
#4 Sacred Tree, oil painting on maple burl by Joan White
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