Artist’s Statement

Recently, while making another futile effort to organize my studio, I realized I was taking a trip through my long life. The contents of drawers, folders, portfolios and the multiple piles of papers yielded years of drawings, woodcuts, watercolors, paintings, sketchbooks, pads and collages. Some works were quickly tossed. Some displayed a hidden gem which was cut out to use in a future collage. Many brought back the years I made all this art and with them a sense of wonder –– especially when I saw my old drawings from the model. How had I done these?  I am currently working in collage, a medium I initially disliked. Years ago, Jack Rabinowitz, artist, inspired teacher and friend said to me, “If Matisse, Picasso and Braque did collage so can you.” How ironic that collage has become the medium which draws me back to making art again and again. Painted papers, pieces torn or cut from my old drawings or woodcuts and printed matter all find their way into new collages.

Many thanks to Joyce and Dawn for asking me to participate in this exhibit. I am delighted to show a small sample of the work that has preoccupied me through the years.

Click on any image to start scrolling through enlarged images.
The artwork title, artist, medium, dimensions, and price or NFS are displayed below the picture.
Forward and back paging arrows are on the right and left of the screen.
Please call the Putnam Arts Council at 845-803-8622 to purchase a piece of art.

Spanish Red by Joan Gillman Smith, acrylic and collage 18x18 $450Apples and Bird by Joan Gillman Smith, collage, 5x7", call PAC for priceBlue Night by Joan Gillman Smith. Acrylic and Collage, 18x18", $450Shapes and Numbers by Joan Gillman Smith, acrylic and collage on wood panel 16x16in $600Spring by Joan Gillman Smith, collage, 18x24", $600