HOME | ARTISTS | UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS | RECENT EXHIBITIONS | GALLERY INFO | CONTACT


Joan Holleb


The paintings of Chicago artist Joan Holleb occupy an exciting place between process and image, between poetry and narrative. The material qualities of these works set them apart from most paintings, generating the unexpected effect of slowing down our gaze and causing us to look carefully at the interaction of copper, patina, and paint on the surface of the work.

Holleb begins the act of painting by pouring a patina solution on the surface of the copper and letting it run in various directions and oxidize. Typically, this process dictates the direction the composition will develop, and the use of chance and spontaneous activity becomes the foundation for all that follows. Says Holleb: "I actually paint/draw with the patinas and splash them across the metal because I enjoy the uncertainty of what will happen - it creates a challenge as to how to paint the piece."

As Holleb develops the work, the paintings become compelling and ambitious meditations on our relationship to the natural world. Holleb uses oil paint to seemingly coax a landscape from the surface of the painting. In some of the recent work, her focus has turned upward, and the light through leaves and branches in the forest has become her subject. "For me, the light in my paintings is not just the light we see with our eyes but is also an allegorical light, something I think we all need every day in our lives to give us hope." Holleb continues: "I want my paintings to vibrate on the wall and I want viewers to have to stop and wonder for a moment, 'What am I looking at?' - I want to encourage them to create their own interpretations."

All paintings are painted on sheets of pure copper, and framed with a 3 inch wide black frame. The frame structure supports the sheet of copper, and presents the painting in a visually attractive manner. Dimensions listed are with frame. Please contact the gallery to see any painting pictured with the frame.


Forest Tapestry, 41x67, oil and patina on copper, framed


Long Hike 36x36, oil and patina on copper, framed


Blossoms Blowing, 26x26, oil and patina on copper, framed (r)


Moon Dance, 36x36, oil and patina on copper, framed


Shorehaven Meadow, 36x36, oil and patina on copper, framed


Park Ave Beach, 41x41, oil and patina on copper, framed


Guillermo's Woods, 41x41, oil and patina on copper, framed


Heading Home, 41x41, oil and patina on copper, framed


County Road A, oil and patina on copper, framed, 41x61


Prairie Dogs, oil and patina on copper, framed, 41x61





HOME | ARTISTS | UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS | RECENT EXHIBITIONS | GALLERY INFO | CONTACT