"Both the world around me and the world of myth and imagination are endless sources of inspiration." One beautiful summer in Golden Gate Park, I fell in love with painting nature. The year was 1987. I was mesmerized by the microscopic play of light, shadow and color. The longer I observed and painted, the more the world stood still, and the more joy I experienced. To this day, capturing life energizes and infuses my work. In my travels or at social gatherings I often bring out a sketchbook to capture the moment. By good fortune, I've traveled to many exotic places - Egypt, Turkey, Croatia, Indonesia to name but a few. Women washing clothes in a spring in a tiny Spanish village, whirling dervishes in Istanbul, a musician at an open mike - each preserves a memory. I've had the privilege of teaching art lessons to children in my studio, figure drawing and portraiture to adults, and high school art for several years. I've served as an artist in resident at several schools, including the Beni More' School of the Arts in Tacoma's sister city, Cienfuegos, Cuba. I'm currently on the Pierce County artist in residence roster. Murals are frequently on my agenda. Recently I completed a series of twenty-six murals featuring 1950's storefronts for senior living facilities in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The murals contain 3-D elements, enhance the environment and are of therapeutic value to Alzheimer's residents. Learning, for me, is a lifelong experience. I've sampled many art styles and movements, and have recently discovered that classical realism hits a deep chord. My still life paintings contain a co-mingling of natural forms and collectable art objects. The play of light and shadow, textures, patterns and color inspire me to create works that are alive, rich and exciting. I hope the viewer will absorb a sense of the beauty and joy that inspires me.
Artist in Residence
Janice Wagner Art & Murals
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