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Artist's Statement
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I paint in a somewhat traditional and realistic manner, but am constantly mindful of the abstract armature that is so important as a foundation. I also am aware of the importance of mark-making on the canvas surface—these marks must be able to stand alone, thereby giving purpose to their existence. I delight in small areas of visual drama—those pieces of the whole, which might be thought of as a sentence within a novel.
Born in 1944, I grew up in that post-war period which gave rise to people eager to embrace optimism and beauty. Walt Disney was the reigning king of this culture, and Technicolor the magic wand that waved a wash of surreal beauty over the movie screens. In this seductive environment I had the seeds of art planted in my consciousness
I majored in fine arts at Indiana University, and with my first oil painting course knew I was spiritually “home”, and have used oil as my primary medium to this day. Whether I paint landscapes, still lives, or, most recently, oil and collage, I seek a sense of mystery and story, and find that many elements from my personal history find their way into my paintings.
My landscapes are the most straightforward of subjects that I approach. I look for that small spot, which upon scrutiny might hold delightful surprises. In painting the still life, I choose objects, which move me…..sometimes consciously, and often emotionally and mysteriously. I enjoy placing items together which feel right to me, but may confound the viewer. I suppose I am creating a small drama—setting a stage—which is static but has the possibility to become richer and deeper with contemplation. And finally, in my collages, I combine my love of and fascination with antiques, old photographs and letters, with painting, and pull all these elements together into creating what I think of as a one act play. |
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Fine art by Janet Roberts
262-790-9291
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