Joan Maureen Collins, American born in 1965 resides and paints in Scottdale, Arizona. Joan graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Marketing and International Business, studied art at Scottsdale Community College, and is an alumni of the Creative Visionary Program. She has exhibited in numerous solo, and group shows in Arizona, across America, and internationally with recent exhibits including ArtBox in Basel, Switzerland, 2022 SCOPE Miami Contemporary Art Fair and group exhibits in New York City, and 2024 Globe Fine Art Gallery in Santa Fe, NM.
Since when do you paint and what are your favorite motives?
All life is a journey, and for the past twenty plus years I’ve been to many parts of the world, and it has unleashed endless inspiration. I’ve indulged in the diversity of the landscape, comprehended the earth’s fragility, and felt the allure of its beauty. Abstraction is the visual language in which I express my love for nature.
When you create a new work, how do you proceed? What comes first?
I begin by marking each canvas with a feather dipped in ink. It’s a connection to freedom as symbolized in the Native American culture prevalent where I live in Arizona, “A gift from the sky.” Then, through extensive layering of materials, and marks made with found objects like sticks, cholla spines, and shells, the painting reveals itself and the artistic adventure is done. My soul soars, my mind is emptied, and I know it is complete. Then I’m on to my next creative journey...
From what do you get your motivation?
My memories from wandering the world are seared in my mind and soul. These soulful impressions seep through my canvases like negatives processed in a dark room.
Your life without art would be...
Lifeless.
What's the best art venue in your city right now?
It’s a toss up between current exhibits at the The Phoenix Art Museum and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
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