Juanita's paintings

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Artist's Statement

In my work I am open to the wonder of analogies and accidental encounters. Whatever fruit, flower or creature that happens into my life is a potential subject for a painting. I am enchanted by the design of nature and the similarities between organic patterns of growth. I enjoy juxtaposing seemingly dissimilar objects to challenge the viewer to see possible relationships. Often this involves small figures tucked into the fabric of the painting and, a sense of humor. I believe that there are multiple realities, each of us perceiving our own version and yet all of them overlapping. Sometimes it can be helpful to view things from another’s perspective—hence the role of the artist in society.

The visual language in my work incorporates the numerical relationships between geometric shapes and cultural symbolism. In most pieces there will be a circle within a square, the Golden Mean, interlocking triangles, or representations of the DNA molecule’s double helix. These various configurations reflect a world of knowledge called Sacred Geometry. In ancient times there were religious orders founded to guard the knowledge of certain mathematical relationships. The Pythagoreans, (followers of Pythagoras) were one such group. I also like to use symbols and images from the Mayan codices, Native American and Hindu mythologies. For instance, Kundalini in Hindu tradition represents the power of creative energy and uses the symbol of the snake or dragon. I have always considered the snake, along with the turtle, as my personal totems. Thus, each time that I paint a given image, a wealth of historical, as well as personal symbology is inferred.

It is my goal as an artist is to create work which acts in the manner of the Indo-Tibetan mandalas and tankas—holy paintings—which can lead the viewer to greater cosmic understanding. I am content however, to induce a little laughter and joy.


Click on the images below to see larger  views of the paintings.

"Celery Forest"  14" x 20" Watercolor with egg tempera on masonite
"Lemurs with Raven"  12" x 15"  Watercolor with egg tempera on masonite.
"Fish Stories"   11" x 14"  Watercolor with egg tempera on masonite.
Click Here! "Little Buddha"   8" X 10"  Watercolor with egg tempera on masonite.
Click Here! "Measure"  10" X 13"   Watercolor with egg tempera on masonite.
Click Here! "Bristlecone I"   10" X 13"  Watercolor with egg tempera on masonite.
Click Here! "Bristlecone II"  10" X 13"  Watercolor with egg tempera on masonite.
Click Here! "Bejewelled Tortoise"   16" X 24"  Watercolor w/egg on masonite.
Click Here! "Order is Inherent in Chaos"  16" X 24" Watercolor w/egg on masonite.
Click Here! "Five Dimensions"  16" X 24" Watercolor w/egg on masonite.