Brenda Joysmith comes to Houston
Nationally renowned artist visits
Acres Home for signing event
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Brenda Joysmith, renowned artist will make a
signing appearance at Shirley Ann’s Black Art & Kollectibles Showroom, 6130
Wheatley, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2002 from 12:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. Joysmith is more than an
artist. All of her paintings have a story to tell. “Drawing from careful observation
of Black people in their ordinary routines, I select a moment that is particularly
expressive, or best characterizes my basic idea. Then I work to create a painting that is
both meaningful and enjoyable,” she explained.
Starting with a realistic portrayal of her subject, her paintings are also
impressionistic, interpreting an experience through the subjective use of color and other
visual cues. Bright colors that “turn up the volume” are used to express the
spirit of children playing ring games or enjoying a parade. Muted marine colors with soft
edges and hazy, blurred figures in the distance best describe the calm mood of a couple
with introspective expressions looking out over a bay.
“Translating my work into three dimensional figurines is a collaborative effort.
Sometimes the figures back views. But the goal is the same. My desire is that the figures
appear familiar .and expressive, reminding the viewer of a neighborhood or schoolyard
memory.” Characters are depicted in both nostalgic and current styles depending on
the time of the original painting.
Brenda grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, in the 1950s and 1960s with four brothers and four
sisters. Much of her work is indeed Southern and nostalgic. Now she has returned to her
native Memphis, after living for 25 years in California. She says, “The last 25 years
in California have expanded my view of the diversity of Black people. Our experience
varies by region, generation, religion or socio-economic status. However, most of our
cultural roots take us back to the South. I want to remind us of the strengths and
positive substance of that experience, connecting with the universal and the
timeless.” It is the viewer’s recognition of these elements and the emotional
response to these memories that bring the works of art to life.
Ms. Joysmith has won numerous awards over the years and her work appears in many
prestigious galleries and museums. The Joysmith Gallery and Studio in Memphis is the only
location where collectors and the public may view original pastel paintings and open
edition, limited edition or sold out limited edition prints.
The gallery is located in Memphis’ South Main Street Historic District. Call
713/692-1195 for more information. |
