Joanna Marsh Artist Statement:

I believe some truths are best embodied by a splash of color upon a canvas. Atmospheric florals and dreamy heavenscapes hint at the wonder I often feel but have no words to express. And when I have no space to dance, texture and color are my choreography.

I’ve spent the last several years of my life devoted to writing novels and studying ballet, but the constraints of the pandemic rekindled my love of painting. These simple compositions hold no preconceived notions, no narratives to unpack. Rather, they reflect the organic and playful creative process that brought me joy over the past two, tumultuous years. I hope they might do the same for the viewer.

My intention is to create a show that conveys an atmosphere of wonder and delight. I currently have 18 pieces from two series, the first consisting of colorful, deconstructed florals. The second series contains what I call “heavenscapes,” ethereal paintings reminiscent of outer space or the daytime sky. Both contain simple compositions with an emphasis on color and texture, whimsy, and fantasy. While my work focuses on pure aesthetics, my ultimate hope is that it points the viewer toward the sublime.

All of my paintings are acrylic on canvas and range in size from 12″ x 12″ to 36″ x 48.”